Psychiatric Hospitalization: Patients’ Negative Experiences and Attitudes

Mehrnoosh Talebjeddi; Shabnam Nohesara; Amir-Abbas  Keshavarz-Akhlaghi; Masoud Ahmadzad Asl; Homa Mohammadsadeghi

doi:10.18502/jimc.v5i3.10942

Mehrnoosh Talebjeddi Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shabnam Nohesara Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Amir-Abbas Keshavarz-Akhlaghi Mental Health Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Masoud Ahmadzad Asl University of Toronto, ON, Canada
Homa Mohammadsadeghi Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v5i3.10942

Keywords: Focus groups, Hospitalization, Humans, Inpatients, Psychiatry

Abstract

Background: The negative experience of hospitalization in psychiatric wards is a common issue that can have destructive effects on treatment outcomes. Considering the significance of improving inpatient psychiatric care, this qualitative study was implemented to elucidate the patients’ experience of hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital from September 2017 to February 2018.

Methods: The information was gathered using two approaches: focus groups, and in-depth individual interviews with hospitalized patients. Twenty-two patients, including 16 women and 6 men, participated in this research. Content analysis method was used for analyzing the data.

Results: Participants’ negative experiences were categorized into three main categories: imprisonment, loneliness, and untrustworthy atmosphere. According to our study, the numerous restrictions and inflexible regulations of the ward, insufficient interaction with the psychiatrist and nurses, coercion, and insufficient physical facilities caused negative experiences.

Conclusion: It seems to be critical that the extent of care for each patient be individualized and free of humiliation.