SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The FBI is now investigating former Northwest Arkansas psychiatrist Dr. Brian Hyatt, accused in lawsuits of unlawfully detaining patients inside the behavioral health unit at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale.

Officials say they are looking into whether Hyatt and others held patients against their will between January 2018 and June 2022. Potential victims are encouraged to fill out a form on the FBI’s website.

For alleged victims like William VanWhy, the announcement is a relief.

“I never met Brian Hyatt on the floor, and when I asked to leave repeatedly for a few days, they wouldn't let me leave. So I was held against my will there for about five days, and my husband had to hire a lawyer,” VanWhy said. “This was a hospital. You go there to get better. And whe

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