According to US reports, troubled Britney Spears is being kept in a padded room at her psychiatric hospital. As news surfaces that Britney's stay at the UCLA facility in Los Angeles has been extended for 14 days, a source has revealed that the singer is in a "terrible situation". According to the popular American magazine 'People' the source, who is said to be close to Britney's family, added further:

"Britney is in a padded room. Her family is so worried about her."

Terry K. Wasserman, a veteran L.A. attorney specializing in mental health cases told the magazine that if a patient becomes combative, he or she "could be placed in a 'quiet room,' some of which are padded." He added, "Another possibility is being confined to a bed by leather restraints. In extreme, life-threatening situations - when the patient is a threat to oneself or medical staff - a psychiatrist can inject a person with psychotropic medication." In addition, "a doctor can force a patient to take prescribed medication. If he or she resists taking the meds, the psychiatrist can obtain authorization to forcefully medicate the person - but only after a hearing on the matter takes place." But the decision to prolong the singers stay could only have been taken by her psychiatrist, according to reports, and she could be out earlier if she legally demands to be released or her doctor finds her to be well enough for outpatient treatment. The magazine also reported that, according to the facility's bill of rights, she is allowed to wear her own clothes and keep personal possessions such as toiletries. She may also make and receive personal phone calls, but not on her cell phone - she would have to use one on a corridor. Pictures: Fernado Allende / Ciao Hollywood / Splash News