Hospital admissions

People may be admitted to hospital with either a severe relapse of mania or depression.

Those with acute onset of mania are usually admitted to hospital in order to institute treatment and to ensure their own personal safety from exhaustion, self-neglect or unwise behaviour. If the person is unwilling to be admitted, compulsory admission under section of the Mental Health Act may be undertaken. This is described as being “sectioned.”

During hospital admission for mania/hypo mania drugs such as Haloperidol or Olanzapine are given by injection to control acute symptoms. After discharge these types of drugs are also given orally.

People experiencing a major depressive episode may also require hospital admission, possibly under section of the Mental Health Act, if insight into the illness is impaired. Indications for admission would include suicide attempt, risk of suicide and those who are at risk from self-neglect.

The development of serious depressive symptoms usually occurs over some weeks or months. In those with an established history of Bipolar disorder the depressive phase may be anticipated after an episode of mania, or they may already be under long-term psychiatric care. Under these circumstances the degree of depression can be monitored and treatment increased to try and prevent hospital admission. Severe cases may also be treated at home by the Crisis Resolution Team, which comprises of a team of mental health professionals to avoid the need for admission.