Patients Are Not Directly Referenced To Mental Hospital, Following The Process

People who have mental disorders with severe conditions and often recur need special rehabilitation. The integrated rehabilitation process is generally undertaken in a special health facility, which is a mental hospital. However, there are several procedures that need to be passed before the patient is decided to need rehabilitation. Health services for people with mental illness can generally be obtained at mental hospitals. The main reasons for patients with psychiatric disorders require special treatment in psychiatric hospitals, namely:

• Ensuring that the patient's condition can be evaluated more stringently.
• Get supervision so that patients do not endanger themselves or others.
• Provide more comprehensive care such as meeting nutritional and social needs.
• Monitor patient response to treatment and therapy.

Management of psychiatric disorders in the hospital 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 stigmatized, so that patients can return to social life.

Procedures passed 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 a person of psychiatric illness before the person underwent a psychiatric medical examination from an expert. The mental examination of a person must go through the following stages.

• Psychiatric interview with a specialist

During the interview process, the doctor will observe someone from various sides. The doctor will explore further what the patient's main complaints, and pay attention to the patient's mental status which is monitored from the attitude, mood, and behavior of the patient during the interview. Observation by this doctor will be carried out in as much detail as possible to avoid any misdiagnosis. If someone has experienced a related symptom, telling it to the doctor will increase the accuracy of the estimate about the patient's condition. When interviewing and interacting with patients, the doctor also examines the patient's ability to think, reason, and remember (the patient's cognitive function) through several questions. The question posed might also be related to the patient's feelings about his personal life and whether he intends to commit suicide. A previous medical history, medication history, or history of substance abuse will also be asked by the doctor.

• Physical examination

To provide a diagnosis of a person's mental health condition, a physical examination also needs to be done. In this examination, the doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine the general condition of the patient and determine the possibility of diagnosis.

• Supporting test

In order for the doctor's assessment to be more accurate, sometimes additional tests such as laboratory tests are needed. This test usually requires a patient's blood or urine sample. If there is a suspicion of a disturbance in the nervous system, the doctor will advise the patient to undergo an MRI test, EEG, or CT scan. Other tests that may be needed to detect problems in the body are:
• Thyroid function test.
• Electrolyte levels in the body.
• Toxicological screening.

Toxicological testing is carried out to detect whether a patient has a history of drug abuse or excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks. Patients may also be asked to fill out a written list of questions (psychological) to evaluate thinking skills, logic, and remembering, as well as daily habits.

Criteria for Patients to be Referenced to Mental Hospital

Mental hospitals still have a negative stigma in the eyes of society. Although actually, not necessarily those who have mental disorders must go to the rehabilitation site. There are several criteria for patients who are required to undergo treatment at a mental hospital, namely:

• The patient shows symptoms and intention to commit suicide. Including the tendency to hurt themselves or others.
• Patients with symptoms of psychosis or hallucinations.
• Patients can not do their daily activities properly independently.
• Patients are not safe if left unattended.
• Displaced patients who do not receive treatment outside the hospital. Mental patients who are neglected in the community are usually assisted by the local social service.

Although the above criteria are a kind of sign that mental disorders sufferers should be treated in a mental hospital, voluntary willingness from patients can be a better first step. On the other hand, for patients with low surveillance, the decision to treat him in a mental hospital will be based on clinical interests and family consent. Here, the role of the doctor is to provide advocacy and the best advice regarding the steps of handling patients in a mental hospital. Mental disorders various types, ranging from mild to acute. Openness on the part of the family will help the psychiatrist (psychiatrist) in making the diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment for the patient.