Seclusion

For other uses, seeSeclusion (disambiguation).

Representation ofPaul of Thebes,known in the Catholic and Coptic Church as the first saint to live a secluded life

Seclusionis the act of secluding (i.e. isolating from society), the state of being secluded, or a place that facilitates it (asecluded place). A person, couple, or larger group may go to a secluded place forprivacyorpeace and quiet.The seclusion of an individual is calledsolitude.

Restrictions on the seclusion of a man and a woman

Further information:Yichud(inJewish law) andKhilwa(inIslamic law)

In some cases where there are legal, religious or social restrictions on two people havingphysical intimacy,there may be restrictions on being together in a secluded place. For example, under traditional schools ofshariaorIslamiclaw,a man and a woman who are not married and notmahram,may be forbidden to be together in a house, a bathroom, or a secluded place. A man and woman could be in a secluded area for work purposes, just talking, or anything that does not allow them to pass their limits. See alsoyichud—a similar rule in Judaism.

As a therapy

See also:SolitudeandPadded cell

Seclusion may be used as a control tactic inpsychologicaltreatment settings. Seclusion of an agitated person in a quiet room free of stimulation may help de-escalate a situation which may be dangerous to the agitated person or those around them.

In relation to administering medications, seclusion is a tactic devised fornon-compliant patients.Methods used to restrict the freedom of such patients include medication (includingchemical restraint),physical restraint,andbehavioral therapy.

Seclusion must only be used in the best interest of the patient, it must only be used as a last resort method, and it must not be prolonged as a form of punishment on the patient. When it is otherwise used, it may be considered a form ofsolitary confinement.In Ireland, The Mental Health Commission governs seclusion inpsychiatric institutions.The act states that people can only be placed in seclusion if

• it prevents them from hurting themselves and/or others
• and it complies with the rules set out by the commission.

To preventcontagious diseasetransmissionself-isolationis used as apublic healthmeasure.