US reports: Madsen on psychiatric hold

Publicists for actor Michael Madsen are refusing to comment about reports the actor has been detained by authorities over fears for his mental health.

A report on US news blog TMZ.com suggests the actor was taken from his Los Angeles home on Monday by sheriff's deputies after "a family member in the house became alarmed by his crazy behaviour".

The site claims he is being held on involuntary psychiatric hold, administered to patients who are deemed a danger to themselves or others.

When approached to confirm the reports, Madsen's publicist Liza Anderson replied with "no comment".

Involuntary psychiatric hold - also known in the US as a 5150 hold - is the same treatment administered to Britney Spears after her meltdown in January over a child custody dispute with ex-husband Kevin Federline.