Predictors of decertification from involuntary hospitalization for patients with bipolar disorder.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined predictors of decertification (release from involuntary hospitalization after legal hearing) among inpatients with bipolar disorder.


METHODS
Records from 1992 to 1997 were examined retrospectively for 50 decertified and 48 certified patients with bipolar disorder. The relationship between demographic and clinical variables and decertification was examined using logistic regression analyses.


RESULTS
In the overall multiple logistic regression model, participants were significantly more likely to be decertified if they used a mood stabilizer before the decertification hearing (odds ratio [OR]=6.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.78-25.50) or if they had a comorbid substance use disorder (OR=3.45, CI=1.15-10.34). The odds of decertification increased with the number of prior hospitalizations (OR=3.92, CI=1.73-8.87) and decreased with the length of prior hospitalization (OR=.72 per week, CI=.49-1.04) and number of emergency room visits before admission (OR=.46, CI=.28-.74).


CONCLUSIONS
Predictors of decertification in bipolar disorder require further research to guide future efforts to improve inpatient treatment outcomes.
Xiong
Glen L
GL
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA.
Iosif
Ana-Maria
AM
Brook
Michael
M
Hilty
Donald M
DM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002140:California; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014600:Utilization Review; D055815:Young Adult
D000927:Anticonvulsants