Hospital admissions for mental illness
Just as people may require admission to hospital for assessment and treatment of their physical health problems, some people may require admission to a mental health (psychiatric) inpatient unit for the assessment and treatment of their mental health problems.
Depending on a person's needs, the severity of symptoms, their level of distress and risk of harm to either themselves or others, treatment may be provided in their own environment in the community, or in hospital within a specialist mental health inpatient unit.
For the majority of people an admission to a mental health unit is planned between themselves and their doctor or mental health care specialist. For others it is the result of a person being in a mental health crisis requiring immediate treatment to assess and manage risk and alleviate distress.
This may be the person’s first experience of mental illness, a repeat episode or the worsening of symptoms of an often continuing mental illness. Admission under these circumstances may be voluntary or involuntary.
Initial assessment
A thorough assessment of your needs will be undertaken by a team of mental health specialists which include medical experts and allied health professionals. The assessment involves gathering information from you, and where appropriate, your family, carers, and any health care providers about your:
- current mental state
- risk of harm to yourself or others
- past mental health history
- physical health
- alcohol and drug use
- personal and social history
- social situation.
- strengths and goals.
Treatment plan
Your assessment will help you and the mental health team develop your treatment, care planning and recovery which may include ways in which to:
- manage and improve your mental health
- identify early warning signs and develop strategies to prevent relapse
- set goals you want to reach in your social, emotional, physical and spiritual life.
Treatment
It is widely understood that people respond better to treatments for mental illness outside of hospitals in familiar surroundings.
Hospitalisation is only usually needed for people who need intensive help and support to manage their mental illness. The aim is to help people to return to their own environment with the right level of support to successfully manage their recovery.
The types of treatment a person receives while in hospital is tailored to meet individual needs and may include:
- help to manage activities of daily living e.g. personal hygiene, domestic tasks, budgeting, cooking
- support to address physical health problems
- therapies to manage psychological symptoms and emotional distress
- medication
- support to address any alcohol or drug problems
- education about the nature of mental illness
- support for families and carers
- discharge planning and the establishment of support to help you manage in the community.
Assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act
In some cases, a person's mental illness may stop them from recognising that they require help or an admission to hospital. In these circumstances, it may be appropriate for the person to be assessed under the Mental Health Act 2016.
Read more about the Mental Health Act 2016 and involuntary assessment and treatment, including patient rights and responsibilities.