As with many mental health conditions, the severity and intensity of symptoms may differ greatly among affected individuals. For example, one person with mild depression may have difficulty concentrating at work, the individual may suffer from low mood or he may wake up early in the morning. In contrast, the person who is suffering from a major depressive episode may be so depressed that he is unable to do the smallest task such as getting dressed; that individual may also feel as though there is no way out.
This may be a factor that leads to frequent misunderstandings concerning depression. In some cases, an individual with depression will not be taken seriously, An individual's ability to carry on with a normal life will vary dramatically, depending upon the type of depression.
When is Hospitalisation Required for Depression?
Examples of those who may require hospitalisation include the following: a person who is so depressed that he has stopped eating properly and is in danger of becoming very physically unwell; an elderly person who has treatment-resistant depression and lives alone; a person who is having suicidal thoughts/ideations; or if a person is making plans to tie up his affairs, this may be an indicator of suicidal intention.
If a bipolar sufferer or psychotic-depression sufferer is experiencing episodes of psychosis or becoming delusional and refusing to comply with a medication regime, then he may require compulsory hospitalisation to protect the patient and others.
Benefits of Hospitalisation For Depression
The most obvious advantage of hospitalising a severely depressed individual is the ability to prevent the patient from attempting or committing suicide.
New medications or forms of treatment may be provided and the patient will be more carefully monitored for adverse side-effects during the hospital stay. Regular support groups and therapy sessions, as well as the contact with other patients in a similar situation, may also be of great benefit to patients, as this can help reduce feelings of isolation.
In addition, whilst a patient is in hospital, he may be regularly monitored and assessed. Ultimately, a care plan may be put into place to avoid or minimise future relapses.
Disadvantages of Hospitalisation For Depression
The main disadvantage patient hospitalisation is the impact of separation from "normal life," including employment, caring for children/parents, marriage and friendships. A person may feel as if his or her sense of control has been taken away and this may make an individual resent treatment. This can result in non-compliance in terms of medication or therapy.
Where NHS treatment is not an option, private care can often be hard to access due to financial costs and the clinic or treatment centre may be located far from the patient's home making it less likely for regular visits from family to be possible.
As highlighted above, hospitalisation may be necessary for those suffering severely as a result of depression. While there are many advantages to more intensive treatment it is important to be aware that this is not always the case.
Source:
Lurie, M. (2007) Depression: Your Questions Answered London: Dorling Kindersley.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
Join the Conversation