Brief psychiatric hospitalization: what are its effects?

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.