The hospital
There are unfortunately many myths and prejudices about being admitted to a psychiatric ward. However, most of these myths originate from the days of the old state hospitals.
Conditions on psychiatric wards are much improved these days. These days, you will be admitted to a one- or two-bed room, and the physical environment will be pleasant. Many people think that we should separate patients who are suffering from depression from psychotic patients and abusers at hospitals. Fortunately, there are few places where this is done.
The treatment of depression has developed hugely over the past 30 years. Today, we have effective treatment methods at our disposal, which can heal or alleviate depression in the space of just a few weeks. 90% of patients who are admitted with depression recover fully!
Who is admitted?
Your own doctor or a psychiatrist can treat most depressions. But in some cases your depression will develop, and it will then be necessary for you to receive treatment on a psychiatric ward.
It may for example be that you are having serious suicidal thoughts, or that you are suffering from a severe or psychotic depression. It may also be that you have a mild depression, but that the treatment with antidepressants you have received from your own doctor/specialist is not having any effect. You may then also be admitted so that your treatment can be improved.
Another group which often needs to be admitted consists of people with both depression and a serious physical illness. Treatment with antidepressants can cause problems for you if you have a serious physical illness. You will need close observation, and you will only be able to get that if you are admitted. When you are admitted to hospital, both illnesses can be observed and treated at the same time. If you are receiving several types of medicine at the same time, a specialist knowledge of possible problems can also be important.
Acute treatment
The first time you are admitted with depression, we will generally wait for up to a week to start your treatment. This enables us to make a safe diagnosis and work out the best treatment for you. But many people find that just being admitted helps.
You will for example be relieved of things which seemed to be insurmountable strains because of your depression. They can be mundane things such as
- cooking
- caring for your children
- cleaning
- shopping
- work
When you are admitted to a psychiatric ward, you will be examined and treated in a number of ways at the same time, and it is rarely possible to do this outside a hospital. The treatment will cover the following important aspects:
- Observation to make an accurate diagnosis
- Care and protection from any self-destructive behaviour
- Exercise with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to maintain a certain physical level of function
- Social advice
- Environmental therapy
- Treatment with medicine
- Psychoeducational training and discussion therapy, and possibly psychotherapy
- ECT treatment (in severe cases)