OBJECTIVES: To investigate the nature and pattern of teenage admissions (13-18yrs) to the 14 adult psychiatric units in Northern Ireland (NI) between 1989 and 1995.
METHOD: An analysis of routine hospital data, a review of case-notes at one hospital and in-depth interviews with young people previously admitted to adult inpatient care.
RESULTS: Sixteen per cent all under 25s admitted during the six-year period (443/2823) were under 18. There was an increasing trend over time in admissions and re-admissions to hospital. More than half of the teenagers were female and the most common diagnoses included emotional/conduct disorders, 'stress' and neurotic illnesses. Self-harm, substance abuse and exposure to violent/abusive environments or behaviour were the most commonly recorded factors preceding admission. All but one of the small number of people interviewed had attempted suicide prior to admission to hospital.
CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the use of adult inpatient care by young teenagers is of considerable concern but may be unavoidable in the absence of suitable alternatives especially for adolescents at risk of self-harm or suicide. Further research is required to determine the most appropriate and effective service response for this vulnerable group. The findings have important implications for the future development of adolescent mental health services.
Language: en
Keywords
adolescent; Adolescent psychiatry; adult; article; behavior disorder; female; health care; hospital admission; hospital management; human; Inpatient admissions; Ireland; major clinical study; male; mental disease; Mental health; patient care; risk assessment; suicide; Young people