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How to Treat Depression With Hospitalization

Treating your depression with hospitalization may be an effective way to receive immediate attention if some of the symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts, are spiraling out of control. Hospitals equipped to treat cases of severe depression may offer a wide variety of therapies, including prescription medication, talking therapies, ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) and VNS (vagus nerve stimulation).

Things You'll Need

  • Hospital with mental-health facilities
  • Physician or psychiatrist
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Instructions

  1. Treat Depression With Hospitalization

    • 1

      Consult with your doctor or psychiatrist if you think treating your depression with hospitalization is your best option. In many cases, the perceived need for hospitalization may be the result of a panic or anxiety attack that may be addressed with a short-term solution like sedation. For suicidal thoughts and tendencies, however, immediate hospitalization should be implemented, even if purely for observational reasons.

    • 2

      Get your current doctor or mental-health professional involved with the hospitalization process. Not only will your doctor be able to provide important information to the hospital staff, but having a familiar face act as a liaison on your behalf may also help to reduce the feelings of anxiety you may experience when you are admitted to the hospital.

    • 3

      Take an active part in your treatment options when you treat your depression with hospitalization. Remember that as long as you are a voluntary patient, you have the right to approve or deny any treatment options. Always insist on hearing all of your options before deciding on a particular form of treatment.

    • 4

      Get electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a quick and effective way to treat your depression while you are in the hospital. Despite popular images to the contrary, ECT is actually a relatively safe and effective procedure, causing very little pain or discomfort to patients. In fact, most ECT treatments are performed while the patients are sedated.

    • 5

      Investigate vagus nerve stimulation therapy (VNS), in which a small battery-powered generator is surgically planted underneath your collarbone and grafted onto the vagus nerve in your neck. Mild electrical currents are then sent to the brain, increasing blood circulation and reducing feelings of depression. For many people, this is an extremely effective way to treat depression through hospitalization.

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