When is hospitalization necessary for depression treatment
Hospitalization is the highest level of treatment for depression. It is
reserved for the most severe forms of depression (as well as other mental
disorders). One criterion used for determining the necessity of
hospitalization is the presence of suicidality. Having suicidal ideation
does not automatically dictate a hospital stay but prompts an inquiry
into the patient's level of risk to harm oneself (or others).
Hospitalization may also be indicated if a person's functional impairment
is so poor that he or she is unable to care adequately for himself or
herself (e.g., unable to get out of bed and not eating).
Most often,
depressed individuals are willing to be hospitalized if recommended and
thus do so voluntarily. Situations exist, however, when the physician
believes hospitalization is necessary but the patient refuses. The
physician then needs to decide whether the person should be admitted
involuntarily. Criteria for involuntary admission varies from state to
state, but it is generally not easy to admit someone against his or her
will. Most states have mental hygiene laws in place to protect patient's
rights. Typically, dangerousness to self or others is the criterion
required to commit someone. Usually an appeal process is available to
such a patient as well.
