Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jn8rn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-24T01:38:14.351Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Teenagers in adult psychiatric inpatient care in Northern Ireland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Sinead McGilloway ,
Michael Donnelly  and
David Scott
Sinead McGilloway
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, NUI, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland
David Scott
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen's University of Belfast, Mulhouse Building, Institute of Clinical Science, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BJ, Northern Ireland
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

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 of 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 appropriat e and effective service response for this vulnerable group . The findings have important implications for the future development of adolescent mental health services.

Keywords

Adolescent psychiatryInpatient admissionsYoung peopleMental health.
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , June 2000 , pp. 54 - 58
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Wieselberg, M. Classification and epidemiology. In: Black, D, Cottrell, D. eds. Seminars in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. London: Gaskell, 1993.Google Scholar
2.Health Advisory Service. Child and adolescent mental health services – together we stand. London: HMSO, 1995.Google Scholar
3.Mental Health Foundation. Bright Futures. London: Mental Health Foundation, 1999.Google Scholar
4.Vanstraelen, M, Cottrell, D. Child and adolescent mental health services: purchasers' knowledge and plans. Bali 1994; 309: 259–61.Google ScholarPubMed
5.Jaffa, T. Adolescent psychiatry services. Br J Psychiat 1995; 166: 306–10.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
6.Department of Health and Social Services. A Regional Strategy for the Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services. Belfast: Department of Health and Social Services (NI), 1991.Google Scholar
7.Department of Health and Social Services. Health and well-being: into the next millennium: regional strategy for health and social well-being. Belfast: Department of Health and Social Services (NI), 1996.Google Scholar
8.Department of Health and Children. Working for health and well-being. Strategy Statement 1998–2001. Dublin: The Stationery Office, 1997.Google Scholar
9.Eastern Health and Social Services Board. A review of child and adolescent mental health services in the EHSSB area. Belfast: EHSSB, 1997.Google Scholar
10.O'Reilly, D. Stevenson, M. The two communities in Northern Ireland: deprivation and ill health. J Public Health Med 1998, 20: 161–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
11.Rutter, M, Cox, A.Tupling, C. Berger, M, Yule, W. Attainment and adjustment in two geographical areas – I. The prevalence of psychiatric disorder. Br J Psychiat 1975; 126: 493–509.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
12.Kramer, T, Garralda, ME. Psychiatric disorders in adolescents in primary care. Br J Psychiat 1998; 173: 508–13.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
13.Gater, R. Goldberg, D. Pathways to Psychiatric Care in South Manchester. Br J Psychiat 1991: 159:90–6.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
14.Steinberg, D. Psychiatric problems in adolescence. Primary Care Psychiat 1996: 2: 79–86.Google Scholar
15.Lincoln, CV, McGorry, P. Who cares? Pathways to psychiatric care for young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Psychiatric Services 1995; 46: 1166–71.Google ScholarPubMed
16.MS, Humphreys. EC, Johnstone. JF, MacMillanet al.Dangerous behaviour preceding first admissions for schizophrenia. Br J Psychiat 1992; 161: 501–5.Google Scholar
17.Health and Social Services Executive. Northern Ireland child and adolescent mental health Services: a policy statement (Draft). Belfast: Department of Health and Social Services, 1998.Google Scholar
18.Department of Health. White Paper: A new Mental Health ACT. Dublin: The Stationery Office, 1995.Google Scholar