Am J Psychiatry 1986; 143:1557-1562
Copyright © 1986 by American Psychiatric Association
Brief psychiatric hospitalization: what are its effects?
PB Lieberman and JS Strauss
This exploratory study was undertaken to begin to identify what clinically
significant changes besides symptom diminution may occur during brief
psychiatric hospitalization. Intensive interviews with 20 patients at the
beginning and end of a 1-month inpatient stay revealed that their cognitive
abilities, self-esteem, and perceptions of the availability of other people
frequently improved. The patients attributed these changes to forming
relationships with others, having the opportunity to reflect, and making
the decision to change. The improvements seemed to affect the patients'
attitudes toward themselves and their lives, and 12 patients underwent
significant life changes after discharge.
