What renders living alone a risk factor for involuntary psychiatric admission?

Abstract

Purpose

Living alone, low social support and severe psychopathology have been found to independently constitute risk factors for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization; their interaction has not been adequately investigated. This study examines the role of social and clinical parameters in rendering living alone a risk factor for involuntary admission

Method

Data from 1003 consecutive admissions of psychiatric patients in all public psychiatric clinics of Thessaloniki, Greece, collected over one-year period were analyzed via Latent Profile Analysis. Patient profiles were created on the basis of social and clinical factors; these were subsequently associated with living arrangement status as independent variable and admission status as distal outcome

Results

Two of the four ensued profiles were associated with involuntary admission. Both profiles were characterized by severe clinical indicators, but only one by poor social indicators; this was the only profile associated with living alone, suggesting that individuals living alone tend to present with severe clinical and social indicators and to be involuntarily admitted

Conclusion

Living alone seems to operate as sufficient but not necessary condition for involuntary admission. Severe deterioration of mental state appears to be a necessary condition; moreover, when combined with low social support and social networks, originating from living alone, the odds for involuntary admission increase. Living alone seems to constitute the most adverse living condition with regard to risk for involuntary hospitalization, due to its associated combination of adverse clinical and social parameters. Supporting individuals living alone through interventions in their living arrangement and social network might prevent involuntary admission.