A Family Guide to Psychiatric Hospitalization
When does a person need psychiatric hospitalization?Symptoms of mania or depression can seriously interfere with a person's life. Sometimes hospitalization can be the best option to keep the person safe and stabilize severe symptoms. People may need to go to the hospital if they:
What's the difference between voluntary and involuntary hospitalization?Voluntary hospitalization takes place when a person willingly signs forms agreeing to be treated in the hospital. A person who signs in voluntarily may also ask to leave. This request should be made in writing. The hospital must release people who make requests within a period of time (two to seven days, depending on state laws), unless they are a danger to themselves or others. If your loved one asks to be released and the hospital does not comply, your state's protection and advocacy agency can help you with your next steps. Most psychiatric hospital stays are from five to ten days. There are also longer residential rehabilitation programs for alcohol or substance abuse, eating disorders, or other issues that require long-term treatment. Involuntary hospitalization is a last resort when someone's symptoms have become so severe that they will not listen to others or accept help. You may need to involve your loved one's doctor, the police, or lawyers. Involuntary hospitalization is an option of last resort only. It is better to talk with your loved one before a crisis and determine the best treatment options together. Work with your loved one in advance to write down ways to cope and what to do if symptoms become severe. Having a plan can ease the stress on you and your loved one, and ensure that the appropriate care is given. How can an advance directive or a medical power of attorney help?An advance directive and a medical power of attorney are written documents that give others authority to act on a person's behalf when that person is ill. Your loved one can specify what decisions should be made and when. It is best to consult a qualified attorney to help with an advance directive or a medical power of attorney. These documents work differently in different states. Click here to see a sample Advance Directive. How can I find out more about hospitalization for a family member?
How can I convince my loved one to check in voluntarily?
How should I talk to a person in crisis?
How can I help a loved one who is hospitalized?Find out when people are allowed receive phone calls and visits. If your loved one wants you to, stop by to say hello and bring a book, comfortable clothing, slippers, food, or something else your loved one likes. Check with hospital staff first. Some items (mirrors, belts, drawstrings, spiral notebooks, some grooming items) may not be allowed. Know that your loved one may not want to see anyone at first, and respect those wishes. Ask if the hospital offers a family support group. Learn about your loved one's illness, its symptoms, and its treatments. Remind yourself that your loved one has an illness, not a character flaw, and it is not anyone's fault. If you don't know your loved one's diagnosis, find out more about mental illness in general. Help your loved one make a list of questions about the illness and treatment to ask the doctors or hospital staff. If your friend or family member is not getting good care from the hospital, say something. Ask the staff to explain the treatments your loved one is getting. If he or she is getting unnecessary or experimental treatment, ask that it be stopped. Don't be afraid to ask more than once for good treatment for your loved one. Stay calm but be persistent. Ask if your loved one needs you to help with things like housework, care for children or pets, or phone calls to an employer during the hospital stay. How can I get answers to questions about my loved one's treatment?There may be privacy regulations at the hospital that will keep you from finding out about your loved one's treatment. These rules are there to protect your loved one, not to keep you out. Ask hospital staff what you can do to find out more. Your loved one may be able to ask that the restrictions be removed. There will probably be several professionals treating your loved one. This may include a psychiatrist, therapist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, and psychiatric technician. It may be difficult to reach hospital staff who can give you information about your loved one, especially at the beginning of treatment. You may need to try several times before you reach someone who can help you. Keep trying. Write down the name of your loved one's psychiatrist and therapist, and other hospital staff that work with your loved one, and the best time to reach them with questions. Write down the questions you have and the answers you are given. Keep questions specific and to the point. Be patient, polite, and assertive. Ask for clarification of things you do not understand. Keep a record of your communications with hospital staff, including the times of calls, who you talk to, and what you find out. If the staff is not responding, try calling the ombudsman or hospital administrator. If possible, schedule a meeting for you, your loved one, other family members, and hospital staff to talk about treatment and other concerns. Before your loved one is released, make sure there are written instructions for treatment, e.g., what medications should be taken and when, who to see for follow-up care and when, and what professionals are available in case of emergency. Write down any changes in diet or activity your loved one needs to make because of treatment. How can I be supportive after my loved one comes home?
Preparing for the Future
You are not alone.Supporting a loved one with a mood disorder can be difficult, but you can have a positive impact on your loved one's wellness. Help your loved one cope before, during, and after hospitalization. Help him or her find the best treatment. Get support for the entire family, and never give up hope. |
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