Perceived changes in social interactions following military psychiatric hospitalization for a suicidal crisis.

UNLABELLED: Introduction Changes in social interactions following psychiatric hospitalization, a period characterized by heightened suicide risk, are important to understand. OBJECTIVE: We qualitatively explored perceived changes in social interactions one month after inpatient psychiatric discharge following a suicidal crisis. METHODS: A total of 113 United States Service members, recruited in the context of a psychotherapy randomized controlled trial, described the extent to which social interactions with family members, peers, and military commanders had changed. RESULTS: Most participants (82.3%) reported at least some change in social interactions, conveying six common themes. Showing more care and checking in more were frequently reported for family (24.8%, 20.4%), commanders (23.0%, 16.8%), and by peers (12.4%, 10.6%). Showing more concern was most frequently reported for family (13.3%) followed by peers (6.2%) and commanders (6.2%). Participants reported showing more caution from peers (14.2%), commanders (13.3%) and family (6.2%). Acting more distant was reported from commanders (7.1%), peers (7.1%), and family (5.3%). Showing negative reaction(s) was reported from commanders (8.0%), family (3.5%) and rarely for peers (0.9%). CONCLUSION: Inpatient providers are encouraged to prepare patients for potential changes in social interactions following psychiatric discharge and how to best respond to these changes.

Duke Scholars

Author David Brian Goldston Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychia ...

Author Jeffrey J. Sapyta Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychia ...