People who have mental disorders with severe and frequent relapses require special rehabilitation. The integrated rehabilitation process is generally carried out in special health facilities, namely mental hospitals. However, there are several procedures that need to be passed before the patient is decided in need of rehabilitation.
Health services for people with mental illness can generally be obtained at mental hospitals. The main reasons patients with mental disorders require special treatment in mental hospitals are:
- Ensure that the patient's condition can be evaluated more rigorously.
- Obtain supervision so that the patient does not endanger himself or others.
- Provide more comprehensive care such as meeting nutritional and social needs.
- Monitor patient response to treatment and therapy.
Treatment of psychiatric disorders in hospitals in the long term aims not only to prevent recurrence of patient symptoms, but also to train and encourage patients and their families to create a supportive environment, not stuck with stigma, so that patients can return to live in society.
Procedures to go through before being referred to a mental hospital
In stating whether a person has a mental disorder or not must be determined by a psychiatrist. Never convict someone of having a mental illness before that person undergoes a psychiatric medical examination from an expert. As for the mental examination of a person must pass the following stages.
- Psychiatric interview with a specialist
During the interview process, the doctor will observe a person from various sides. The doctor will explore further what the patient's chief complaint is, and pay attention to the patient's mental status which is monitored from the patient's attitude, mood, and behavior during the interview.
Observations by this doctor will be carried out in as much detail as possible to avoid misdiagnosis. If someone has experienced related symptoms, telling the doctor about it will increase the accuracy of estimates about the patient's condition.
When interviewing and interacting with patients, the doctor also assesses the patient's ability to think, reason, and remember (cognitive function of the patient) through several questions. The questions asked may also relate to the patient's feelings about his personal life and whether he or she intends to commit suicide. Previous medical history, drug history, or history of substance abuse will also be asked by the doctor.
- Physical examinationTo provide a diagnosis of a person's mental health condition, a physical examination also needs to be done. In this examination, the doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the general condition of the patient and determine a possible diagnosis.
- Supporting test
In order for the assessment made by the doctor to be more accurate, sometimes additional tests such as laboratory tests are needed. This test usually requires a sample of the patient's blood or urine. If there is a suspicion of a disorder in the nervous system, the doctor will advise the patient to undergo an MRI, EEG, or CT scan. Other tests that may be needed to detect problems with the body are:
- Thyroid function test.
- Body electrolyte levels.
- Toxicological screening.
Toxicological testing is performed to detect whether the patient has a history of drug abuse or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Patients may also be asked to fill out a list of written questions (psychotes) to evaluate thinking, logical, and memory skills, as well as daily habits.
Criteria for Patients to be Referred to a Mental Hospital
Mental hospitals still have a negative stigma in the eyes of society. Although in fact, it does not necessarily mean that people with mental disorders have to go to the rehabilitation center. There are several criteria for patients who are required to undergo treatment in a mental hospital, namely:
- The patient shows symptoms and suicidal intentions. This includes a tendency to injure oneself or others.
- Patients with psychotic symptoms or hallucinatory disorders.
- The patient cannot perform daily activities properly independently.
- The patient is not safe if left unattended.
- Abandoned patients who do not receive treatment outside the hospital. People with mental disorders who are neglected in the community are usually assisted by the local social service.
Although the criteria above are a kind of sign that people with mental disorders should be treated in mental hospitals, voluntary willingness from patients can be a better first step. On the other hand, for patients with low visibility, the decision to treat them in a mental hospital will be based on clinical importance and family consent. Here, doctors play a role in advocating and providing the best advice regarding the steps for handling patients in mental hospitals.
Mental disorders of various types, ranging from mild to acute. The openness of the family will help the psychiatrist in making a diagnosis and determining the right treatment for the patient.