This study examines AMA discharges from a psychiatric inpatient unit. Such discharges are found to occur with greater frequency (p .005) among individuals with alcoholism and character disorders. The AMA patients do not, however, seem to form a homogenous group in themselves. This study identifies two subgroups of AMA patients: the "early" AMA and the "late" AMA, depending upon their length of stay in the hospital prior to AMA discharge. The demographic, clinical and psychodynamic differences between the two sub-groups are discussed. Some practical recommendations are made in regard to the prevention and management of AMA discharge requests.
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