Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S. Many people affected by this condition can receive effective treatment in an outpatient setting. However, in certain situations, hospitalization or inpatient treatment provides a much greater benefit. Let’s look at some of the circumstances that make inpatient depression treatment more effective than outpatient solutions. #1 You Are Severely Depressed and Don’t Have Enough Support If you have severe depression, you may no longer be able to adequately take care of yourself, manage your daily affairs or successfully complete other essential tasks. For some people, a loved one, family member or friend can provide enough support to allow them to continue functioning while receiving outpatient treatment. However, if you lack these critical support resources or experience severe symptoms, an inpatient program can supply all needed assistance. #2 You Have Other Significant Health Issues Substantial numbers of people affected by depression also have at least one other serious condition that negatively impacts their health. In some cases, the issue is another mental illness such as trauma or an anxiety disorder. In other cases, the problem stems from a major physical condition. In either situation, an inpatient program may be essential to successfully address all of the health issues at the same time. #3 Outpatient Treatment Hasn’t Worked If you have mild, moderate or even severe depression symptoms, your doctor may begin treating you on an outpatient basis. However, for a wide variety of reasons, this treatment approach will not work for everyone. If you’re not getting better on your current outpatient plan, a shift to a comprehensive inpatient facility may provide you with the tools you need to see some real improvements. #4 You Pose a Danger to Yourself or Other People People dealing with the effects of depression can develop behaviors that pose a threat to their own safety or the safety of others. Hospitalization and inpatient depression treatment are typically a requirement in these circumstances. Only the level of monitoring and care provided by an inpatient program can minimize the chances that you or a loved one will get involved in a dangerous situation. Resources American Psychiatric Association: Treating Major Depressive Disorder – A Quick Reference Guide http://psychiatryonline.org/pb/assets/raw/sitewide/practice_guidelines/guidelines/mdd-guide.pdf National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Depression in Adults – Recognition and Management https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90/chapter/1-guidance?unlid=13679468201599172539 Categories: Articles, DepressionBy The Ranch TNDecember 28, 2016Post navigationPreviousPrevious post:Less Commonly Known Bulimia Side EffectsNextNext post:Are Men More Likely to Cheat While on Drugs?Related postsSocial Media and DepressionJuly 22, 2020Worried about COVID-19? Allow us to Provide Anxiety TreatmentJune 13, 2020What’s the Difference Between Depression and Manic Depression?June 12, 2020Coping with Isolation During CoronavirusJune 11, 2020Coping with Loneliness During QuarantineJune 9, 20206 Ways Yoga Helps With Depression and AddictionJune 6, 2020