Psych hospital physical exams on intake

Has anyone had any experience with intake at a psych ward/ hospital?

I think there are two steps… a visual body search and then ( at some point) seeing a doctor for a physical assessment. Would like to learn more about people’s experiences if they are willing to share.

Additionally, what is checked daily when you are there? I have heard vitals are checked numerous times per day and the nurse will ask about when you moved bowels etc.

I performed admission history and physical exams at a psych hospital in the late 80s. I saw the patient in a single clinic exam room and carried out an exam. If I requested a chaperone for women they would try to supply one but staffing was short. I did these for extra income to my regular practice for 3 years and actually never had a problem.

Were they full examinations? Head to toe? Patient in a gown?

I just dug up one of my posts from many years ago concerning stories that i had read about on the internet. Here Goes:

I remember reading several supposedly true stories about strip searches and physical exams on newly admitted mental patients. I have read here on this forum the story by Onan about his wife's experiences. Here are three stories from the past that i remember. All involved women:

1. There was an LPGA (pro golfer) i believe named Jan Stephenson who was committed to an Alabama mental institution by her disgruntled husband. She was the sexiest woman on the LPGA tour and had appeared in many magazines as a model because she was so good looking. Upon admittance she was stripped naked by two male orderlies and searched for drugs etc.

2. I remember reading a story from a girl about her experiences in i believe New York City sometime in the 1980's. Teenage girls who showed mental problems or who were considered suicide risks were taken to a special facility for observation. As part of the daily ritual a male orderly would come to there room and take a girl to a communal shower where she had to strip naked and shower in front of that orderly. And there were other male orderlies there watching the girls that they had led to the showers. When she was first admitted to this facility she had to shower naked and then was given a robe and taken for a medical exam. She had to remove the robe. The doctor who gave the exam was a woman, but the male orderly stayed for the entire exam, which included a pelvic exam.

3. The third story was about a woman who was admitted to a facility i believe somewhere in the state of California. There was a separate building out front where new mental patients were taken, and where visitors were processed. There was a regulation that all new arrivals had to be strip searched before being admitted to the main facility - not the visitors of course. This woman was strip searched in front of several office workers and visitors.

I spent some time inpatient in the early twenty-teens due to a suicide attempt. It was one of the premier psychiatric hospitals in the North East. I was given an intake assessments by a doctor (male) with a female chaperone (nurse). During the examination I undressed to underwear and it was about as thorough as my usual physical exam - meaning not super thorough. It was a basic physical. There was no well-woman portion nor was there anything like a strip search. There were no photographs. There were no vitals checks during my stay. The most intrusive medical aspect was having to take your meds in front of the nurse or an assistant. There were lots of therapy sessions, some group, some not. I was treated with kindness while there. While I never, ever want to go back, it was what I needed at the time and it worked.

I saw a guy on YouTube recently talk about his time in a psyc ward. He had simply called a crisis line in his area asking them if he was having any issues would they be able to help him. Later on police and ems showed up at his door and said he must go with them. He was first telling them he was fine and just having a hard time and wanted to make sure the crisis line could help. At no point did he ever say he was thinking of suicided or anything.... the police and EMS said they didn't care and that they had clear instructions to take him NOW. He told them he had to call his ex bf who lived upstairs first to take care of his dog. They wouldn't allow him to walk down himself. They demanded he get on the gurney and go with the ems. He goes on to say that he arrived at the place and they took him into a room outside of the lobby and the person at the facility told the police man to take his phone from him. He said he was scared and asked the policeman not to hurt him and let him call his mom first. So the police man did, even though this person trying to do the intake was demanding that the police officer take his phone right then!

Luckily the police man didn't do that... and he was able to make a call to his mom. and then he was taken into a room and ordered to take all his clothes off. He at first refused and then two men started taking his clothes off of him themselves. They did a search of his body and all his clothes and a brief exam and then gave him some cheap pants and a shirt to wear. They then took him to a room and he said the room was dirty and they wouldn't even allow him to shower for 2 days. After over two weeks he was finally able to go home and be released to his mom. But he had to sign an agreement that he would follow up with specialists and all this crap.

Turns out the crisis line had a misunderstanding when they reported him to the police.... So in other words it was a big shit show!!! He went on to say they wouldn't allow him to shower daily and the bathroom in his room was dirty and had not been cleaned in weeks....

My experience in a mental hospital, for a suicide attempt. (meaning I botched the try) Admission was a traumatic experience, but I survived the experience, which is more than I can say if I weren't forced to go. I might have made better plans to exit the world.

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Brat

I work security at a local hospital that has a fair share of voluntary and involuntary psychiatric admissions. The patient is required to strip naked and their body is checked for indications of self harm or harm from others. Then they are given a gown and receive a physical exam from one of the doctors.

Fortunately, I’ve never experienced a psychiatric commitment firsthand, but I did have a psychiatrist, and a few social workers try to convince me to consider committing myself, because I was depressed, even though it didn’t meet the criteria for a psychiatric evaluation. No doubt, it’s probably saved lives. No doubt, it’s also ruined lives and careers. Mental health “professionals,” are not always competent and objective. The majority of people experiencing depression and anxiety don’t improve, and eventually abandon therapy and just accept their fate. I knew a woman who was admitted to a hospital psychiatric ward, because of a suicide attempt. She was stuck there for a month, and suffered terribly. She said that they held her down, stuck a thermometer in her ass, and drugged her into oblivion. She was still depressed, but was forever afraid to get help.

The majority of people experiencing depression and anxiety don’t improve, and eventually abandon therapy and just accept their fate. I knew a woman who was admitted to a hospital psychiatric ward, because of a suicide attempt. She was stuck there for a month, and suffered terribly. She said that they held her down, stuck a thermometer in her ass, and drugged her into oblivion. She was still depressed, but was forever afraid to get help.

Classic example of the (so called) cure being worse than the disease.

It happened to me. The day after my 15th birthday my biological mother was found dead of a drug overdose. I convinced myself her death was my fault because I made a decision to be adopted by my Foster Parents. I now realize an addict is an addict and as such an addicts first and most important objective is the next fix. Other responsibilities such as caring for your children is a very distant second objective.

I was sad, became lethargic and sleep deprived. When I did sleep I was plagued by nightmares. I stopped eating. My mom is a RN and knew it was time to take me to The ED of our local Pediatric Hospital.

I was given a basic physical in the ED then admitted to the behavioral health (secure) unit for treatment. I was given a heavy sedative to help me sleep. I finally got a solid nights rest.

I was awakened later the next morning by a nurse. I missed breakfast because it was determined I needed to rest. I was informed my Pediatrician was going to see me in a few hours and that I needed to get up and get showered. I got up and belted out some pushups and sit ups then showered. Between the sleep, the workout and a hot cleansing shower I felt a little better.

My doctor arrived and we had a conversation. We are both of Catholic Faith and being as such she was excellent in providing pastoral care for my troubled spirit. After a conversation she informed me I was just about due for my annual physical. She took me by the hand and walked me into an exam room and gave me a physical.

After having a very thorough exam she said "This is not your fault, for the love of God you need to believe that. Let this crisis refine you, don't let it define you. I will do whatever I can to get you through this. I will stop by tomorrow to see how you are doing."I broke down and cried. She held my hand and hugged me.

Later that day I was sent to Radiology for a chest X Ray followed by an ECG.

@JJM Read my post above. I almost killed myself. Intervention, time in the hospital & medication and a good therapist saved my life. A mental hospital is a safe environment where persons are supported and kept safe. They don't let one have shoelaces (use zip ties in the shoelace holes) belts, razors. Acute treatment got me back on track. I was back at work in 2 months, functioning, albeit at 50%. Just showing up and doing something positive was uplifting. Post above said he felt better after shower, activity and eating. Very true: just doing something active helps severe depression. I was back at 100% functioning in a month. My depression lingered longer, taking 2 more years to taper off meds and drop to once a month maintenance for other issues.

Basically the skin is checked and in some cases photographed if their are obvious signs of cutting etc a strip search is done and vital signs are taken.

I have been to a psychward several times. First thing that is done once getting to the hospital is a photograph of your face is taken. Vitals are taken next. Then go into a room with two people of the same sex and have to be strip searched- every scar or bruise is documented. Usually the strip search is done in stages so not completely nude. Top/bra off lift up breasts look at arms, chest, back given a shirt to put on. Then pants and panties off-- look at legs, butt-- one hospital was going to make me show them my vagina but I refused. The scars/bruises are recorded on a sheet of paper of a human form so the psychiatrist and PA/NP can see where there are markings. I know of one local hospital that requires the strip searches daily if the patient is known to self-harm. If a patient is severe they will be put on a one-to-one and have a psych tech within arms reach and observed 24/7 not just the 15 mins checks. Had to have someone watch me use the bathroom and shower one admission for a day or two.

Then an extensive nurse assessment is completed. Asked about mental health and physical health.

The next day a PA or NP will come and do a health assessment and order blood labs and a UA is ordered. My clothes stayed on for the health assessment/physical. It's a basic physical plus a neurological check. Vitals are taken 2-3 times a day if on a regular admission. If one is there for detox vitals are taken around the clock every 3-4 hours. Once labs are sent back PA goes over labs with me and then prescribes what needs to be given for physical health. And yes, 2x a day I was asked if I pooped. Psych meds can cause severe constipation. I've been given laxatives in pill form or liquid form.

Not exactly a psych hospital, one time I took myself to a hospital after having a bit of mental breakdown after my dad had died (advanced age, natural causes). I later found out I was having a panic attack. It was the first time I had gone to a hospital as a patient as an adult.

After a brief triage, a friendly Filipino nurse and her nursing student observing, also a nice Filipina, came to get me and another patient from the post triage ER waiting room. They came to one of the ER rooms and told the other female she needs to put her gown on but could leave her underwear on and the nurse and doctor would be in.

When we got to another ER room they drew the curtains and told me they were going to assist me get changed into the gown and ready for the doctor. I did come to the hospital a little stressed out so I didn't think this was entirely strange we had brought one patient to a room and left. They gently helped me remove my clothes, including my underwear, to put the gown on. I overheard the nurse telling the assistant that this is the time to inspect the patient's skin for any signs of damage and to make notes, and that the receiving ward would also do a skin check if the patient ends up getting admitted to the hospital.

After getting changed into the gown and put in the bed, they said they would be back with a nice warm blanket because I mentioned I was cold. When they returned they set up the standard ECG monitoring equipment, finding veins for a blood sample draw and administering IV fluids. After a few minutes of the IV setting in I told them that I had to urinate and if I could use the bathroom nearby, they mentioned no need to move me and said they were able to get a urine sample anyway. They had the bedpan if it was number 2 or the ole urinal jug. With a light reassuring tap on the thigh from the nurse saying, "if you didn't have to pee, we had also brought a catheter to get a sample." The nursing assistant was ready with placing my penis into the jug and I felt one of the most relieving emptying of my bladder ever. The nurse also did mention to the assistant this would be the time to do a quick check of a patient's perineum, and rectal region if she didn't check while helping change.

The rest of the ER visit was mostly the doctor checking the lab tests, monitoring my vitals, and a quick auscultation and palpation of the abdomen. Once I got my blood pressure to go down and other vitals stable. He gave me some literature on managing stress and anxiety, a phone number to call if I was experiencing more feelings of stress and anxiety, and to follow up with my PCP in a few weeks.

I appreciated the care I was given, but I did wonder later if I was being observed a little too closely for my protection, or if my case was just a good one for the nurse to train another. Overhearing some of the instructions and insights by the nurse made it seem like the latter. The visit itself was probably only 2-3 hours between triage and discharge, but it was certainly a memory of being a patient in the hospital I wouldn't soon forget.

Question for Sensei1980,

You stated this in a recent post:

I work security at a local hospital that has a fair share of voluntary and involuntary psychiatric admissions. The patient is required to strip naked and their body is checked for indications of self harm or harm from others. Then they are given a gown and receive a physical exam from one of the doctors.

My question - Did you get to witness these strip searches/physical exams?

I was with the ex for the admission. they allowed me to stay as a calming for her. Yes to the strip search and checking for marks. they also checked body cavities along with arm pits and hair to be sure she wasn't trying to smuggle drugs into the facility. I had to leave after admission. But she was supervised in the toilet and showers. and locked in her room at night. It took several months before she got well enough to come home.

I went into an emergency room suicidal. They made me change while someone watched and when they decided to admit me I had to get a checkup. (It sucked because I really hate being touched especially when I'm like that)

Until I went to the unit someone had to accompany me to the bathroom and wait outside the door which also sucked because I can't pee like that.

Do not recommend and I will never again go willingly into a mental hospital or unit for care.

Be glad they didn't have to watch you directly

So in my mental health facility experience, I was taken to an exam area before the actual locked ward. I DID have to undress and let them look me over. They had to document all of my scars and asked a shit load of questions. They searched my person for anything I shouldn’t have and looked through my belongings as well. It wasn’t a “strip search” by any means. Yes I was vulnerable and embarrassed, but they let me keep my underwear on. After their little look over, they let me put on some extra clothes I had brought.

I had an adult female friend that was diagnosed as Bipolar 1. She had been on a mania binge for 6 days and was convinced by her sister to check into the psych ward at the hospital to get herself under control. She told me that when she was admitted to the psyche ward that she was taken back to a room by two female nurses. The nurses asked her questions about her medical history along with drug and alcohol use. She admitted that she had done some drugs in the past and had an alcohol problem. She was then told to strip naked in front of them. As she had to stand in front of them completely naked the nurses made notes of any marks, cuts, or bruises on her body. To make sure she had no drugs on her, she had to bend over running her fingers through her hair. Then she was told to squat in front of them and cough several times. She said that she was then told to turn around and bend over, and one of the nurses gave her a rectal exam checking for drugs. My friend said that she was so mortified and humiliated getting strip searched that she would never check herself into the psyche ward again.

I am uncomfortable with this topic being presented here. There is nothing of a fetish nature when it regards the treatment of individuals needing behavioral health care.

Individuals experiencing serious behavioral health conditions should be respectfully treated and provided with urgent and necessary care if he/she is admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Be it voluntary or involuntary, this does not mean one's dignity and respect should be violated. There are too many stories of insensitive and cruel psychiatric care, which are undoubtedly true over the years. This in no way should be seen as the norm or tolerated. For all too long, and even now, behavioral health conditions are viewed with skepticism and less concerning than other medical conditions. We should all expect individuals struggling with mental health and/or substance conditions to receive care and support.