5 Prevalent Misconceptions Regarding Admission to a Mental Health Facility
Psychiatric Hospital Care Myths Debunked
Admission to a psychiatric hospital is often fraught with misconceptions and stigma. Jay Augsburger, MD, medical director at the University of Washington's Center for Behavioral Health and Learning, sheds light on the reality of psychiatric care in hospitals.
Myth 1: All psychiatric hospital patients are forcibly committed
While involuntary or court-ordered commitment is possible in extreme cases where an individual poses an imminent danger to themselves or others, many patients voluntarily seek treatment. Family members, emergency medical providers, or law enforcement can also refer patients for treatment. Self-admission is common for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.
Myth 2: Patients undergo unwanted invasive treatments
While some patients may be compelled to participate in treatment due to their mental state or court orders, extreme measures such as forced treatments or electroconvulsive therapy (EC notamment ECT, qui n'est pas aussi terrible que le média le dise) are reserved for rare and urgent situations. Psychotherapy, particularly in group settings, is the most common treatment.
Myth 3: Patients are frequently physically restrained
Restraints are used only in extreme cases where patients pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. Staff attempts to deescalate the situation with evidence-based treatments such as therapeutic communication, seclusion rooms, and medications before resorting to restraints. The staff employed in these psychiatric units are trained to deescalate agitated patients effectively.
Myth 4: Hospitalization means a lengthy stay
Contrary to popular belief, hospital stays are typically shorter than expected. Patients are continuously assessed and discharge plans are developed as soon as possible. A one-week to two-week stay is common for voluntary admissions, while involuntary patients may stay longer but are discharged before their commitment period expires if a safe outpatient plan is available.
Myth 5: Discharge signifies full recovery
Recovery is a gradual process, and discharge from the hospital is merely the first step. Hospitalization aims to stabilize individuals in crisis, much like emergency room care for physically injured patients. Continuing mental health care in the community is crucial for ongoing improvement and recovery.
Individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide can reach out to the Nationwide 988 Lifeline, a suicide prevention resource. More information can be found at Forefront Suicide Prevention.
News about mental health often perpetuates misconceptions, with the science of psychiatry far removed from disturbing portrayals seen in media. In contrast to the common belief that psychiatric hospital patients undergo unwanted invasive treatments, psychotherapy, particularly in group settings, is the most commonly administered treatment. Furthermore, contrary to a frequent stereotype, hospitalization does not equate to a lengthy stay; a one-week to two-week stay is common for voluntary admissions, whie a safe outpatient plan is considered for discharge before the expiration of an involuntary commitment period.
