Guide To Schizophrenia Treatment

Hospitalization

Hospitalization is sometimes necessary for schizophrenia patients. Decades ago, hospital stays tended to be long and sometimes included permanent institutionalization, but with today's regulations and standards of treatment, hospital stays tend to be much shorter. The goal of inpatient hospitalization is to stabilize patients through medication adjustments and therapy. Patients may be evaluated to see if there are any co-occurring mental health disorders or physical illnesses that need treatment. The reason for hospitalization varies from case to case. Some schizophrenia patients will be hospitalized because they are malnourished or dehydrated due to erratic eating habits. Some are hospitalized because of a public break with reality. If the patient is suicidal, they may be hospitalized following a suicide attempt. Even if the patient hasn't attempted suicide or isn't physically injured, hospitalization might still be necessary for suicidal thoughts if they can't establish a plan of safety. Long-term hospital stays for schizophrenia are much rarer than they used to be, but they may be required in severe cases. In all cases, the goal is to help the patient, not hurt them.

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