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General practitioner referrals to a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS): pre and post COVID-19 pandemic

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 September 2024

P. FitzPatrick ,
A. George ,
F. Lynch  and
F. McNicholas Open the ORCID record for F. McNicholas [Opens in a new window]
P. FitzPatrick*
Affiliation:
Ballyfermot Mental Health Service, Ballyfermot Primary Care Centre, Dublin, Ireland
A. George
Affiliation:
SMMS, UCD, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
F. Lynch
Affiliation:
Consultant Psychiatrist Lucena Clinic Tallaght, Exchange Hall, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Co., Dublin, Ireland
F. McNicholas
Affiliation:
Consultant Psychiatrist, Lucena Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
*
Corresponding author: P. FitzPatrick; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objectives:

To compare the characteristics of GP referrals to CAMHS prior to and over the entire pandemic.

Methods:

All accepted referrals to a Dublin-based CAMHS between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2023, were examined. Referral letters were anonymised in batches, and information was extracted directly onto a designated proforma.

Results:

Before the pandemic (January 2019–February 2020), an average of 17.8 referrals were accepted per month, while during and after the pandemic (March 2020–June 2023), this rose to 18.7 accepted referrals per month. Increases were observed in the clinic’s prioritisation of cases during the pandemic period (54.8% v. 41%, p < .001).

Referrals post COVID-19 were older (13.1–13.64 years, p = .010) with a higher proportion of females (50.2% v. 62.1%, p < .001). Internalising disorders increased during the pandemic (68.7% v. 78.7%, p = .001), with self-harm referrals also being notably more frequent (18.5% v. 36.3%, p < .001). Referrals for anxiety (43.0% v. 78.2%, p = .004) and eating disorders (0% v.. 6.2%, p < .001) increased significantly. Referrals for psychosis (8.4% v. 4.8%, p = .032) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (26.5% v. 18.7%, p = .008) decreased after the onset of the pandemic.

Conclusions:

Notable increases in referrals for anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders underscore the impact of the pandemic on youth mental health. Understanding these shifts is crucial for CAMHS to adapt resources and interventions effectively. Clinicians must remain vigilant in assessing and addressing the evolving mental health needs of youths in the post-COVID era, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions, and resources to mitigate long-term consequences.

Keywords

AnxietyCAMHSCOVID-19eating disorderspandemic
Type
Short Report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , First View , pp. 1 - 5
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

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