New York, July 20 - Actress Mischa Barton is going through a tough time both financially and personally and her friends feared she would try to kill herself to escape the situation. So they called police to have her legally detained.

Barton's friends were convinced she would try to commit suicide unless they forced her to get help. Imdb.com reports that Barton was sectioned Wednesday after being placed under a 5150 hold, a part of US legislation which means she poses a danger to herself or others.

'She's in very bad shape. She's running out of money and can't find love, so now she is looking for a good time to escape her misery. She is on a downward spiral. She is a mess. She is a suicidal, uninsurable mess,' a source told the New York Post newspaper.

Under a 5150 hold order a person can only be held for up to 72 hours, but doctors can ask for an additional 14-day hold if they believe it is warranted.