Hospitalization for Bipolar Disorder

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

HealthyPlace.com Radio Psychiatric Hospitalization: What It's Like on the Inside  - At age 29, Margaret had her first severe manic episode. She became very impulsive, started spending a lot of money. The mania escalated and soon she was receiving "special messages" from the radio and television set. Her fiance tricked her into going to a psychiatric hospital. What happened when she got there and what it's like being in a psychiatric hospital is the subject of this show. (listen with realplayer. audio table of contents here).

Read: Life with Bipolar: Hypomania, Mania, Mixed State, Hospitalization, and My Husband's Thoughts on Me - by Juliet

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