The Optimal Length of Hospitalization for Psychiatric Patients: A Review of the Literature

In recent years, several controlled studies have evaluated the value of different lengths of psychiatric hospitalization and of alternatives to hospitalization. The author reviews such studies, noting that most findings suggest that longer stay does not decrease subsequent hospitalization, and does not clearly improve social adjustment or diminish psychopathology. Longterm hospitalization may increase the patient's commitment to continued psychiatric care, but short stay with optimal aftercare planning may be just as beneficial. Long-term hospitalization is necessary clinically for some patients, but the evidence is consistent and convincing in indicating that hospitalization should be kept as short as feasible.