Hospitalization for Bipolar Disorder

Reasons why some patients with bipolar disorder are hospitalized

Many patients with bipolar I disorder (i.e., patients who have had at least 1 full manic episode) are hospitalized at some point in the course of their illness. Because acute mania affects insight and judgment, individuals with mania are often hospitalized over their objections, which can be upsetting for both patients and their loved ones. However, most individuals with mania are grateful for the help they received during the acute episode, even if it was given against their will at the time. Hospitalization should be considered under the following circumstances:

• When safety is in question due to suicidal, homicidal, or aggressive impulses or actions
• When severe distress or dysfunction requires round-the-clock care and support (which is difficult, if not impossible, for any family to sustain for a long period of time)
• Where there is ongoing substance abuse, to prevent access to drugs
• When the patient has an unstable medical condition
• When close observation of the patient's reaction to medications is required

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