I've been there before.

It varies if i remember right, anywhere from 3-7 days (assuming its not a state place, if it is i dont know.) I was there 10 before they sent me off to a residential place for 2 weeks.

but I think its based on severity of his situation as to how long they hold him most of the time its 3 days for evaluation.

You are exactly right on the money. They must have decided somehow he was a threat to himself or others. Or, he may have volunterally admitted himself after his session. Either way, it is a good thing. I hope it was that he decided he needed the help.

Sounds like your husband signed himself in voluntary which is a good thing after consulting with his pdoc. Good chances his pdoc wants to do a complete washout of his current medications and do a restart.

The hospital is the safest place to be in case he has any medical issues arise from the washout and also a place to keep him safe and out of harms way during this period. Be as supportive as possible because your husband is of the few in doing the right thing. Most will fight a hospital stay even when its the best option.

Keep your chin up and take care of yourself. Your husband is getting the help he needs.

I agree- this is a good thing for him. Hopefully he gets the help he needs.

Thanks for all the replies.

We visited my husband today and I am so scared for him. The doctor's said they don't think his medication was working so they put him on some new stuff. One is cipralex that he was already taking with lithium. But they stopped the lithium and put him on a new drug, Zeldox. Has anyone used that? He was very groggy and foggy today. I could almost cry talking to him but I am trying to be strong for him and our baby, but my heart feels like it is breaking. I don't want him to be a zombie.

Don't worry, he will come out of the fog and not be a zombie. I would suspect that they are giving him ativan or something like it to help with his anxiety while the new medications are introduced.

The key right now is to take care of yourself...he is fine and needs to know you are doing ok.

I agree- the doctors are making sure he gets the right drugs right now. He might be a little groggy- the change in medication can cause weird side effects. But hopefully it won't last, and if it does, they'll change him to something else. He will get better and be your husband again! Take care of yourself and be there for him. Don't be afraid, right now he's in good hands and the best place he can be.