A patient perspective on recurrent or prolonged contact with psychiatric inpatient care for affective disorder

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore why some patients receive recurrent or prolonged psychiatric inpatient care, based on the experiences of the patients themselves.

The participants were recruited at an outpatient clinic at the department of psychiatry for patients with affective disorders at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden. Ten patients, nine women and one man, aged 22-61 years, agreed to participate. A semi-structured interview guide was used during the interviews, which were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

The four themes that emerged were Difficulties in affective regulation, where the informants reported difficulty in managing their emotions, with the possible consequence of admission to inpatient care; Relational sensitivity, concerning a sensitivity to relationships with healthcare professionals and a need for a secure therapeutic rapport; Resignation, characterized by passivity and depression; and Ambivalence towards responsibility, where ambivalence about their responsibility could lead to failure to initiate change.

More options beside inpatient care should be available in cases of an urgent need for help. A stable care structure, good cooperation, and long-term planning based on individual needs are pivotal. In the planning of psychiatric care, consideration must be given to the patient's relational sensitivity. By encouraging patients to actively seek help, we can counteract their resistance and achieve a more effective contact with psychiatric services.