Adolescents Presenting with Mental Health Crises.
Gadancheva, V; Barry, H; McNicholas, F
Aims
The aim of the study is to examine emergency mental health (MH) presentations and assessments of adolescents
(16-18) presenting to a Dublin adult emergency department (ED).
Methods
Clinical data was collected on all patients over a 12 month period.
Results
Seventy seven adolescents presented, the majority out of hours (n=58, 75%) and with either self-harm (n=34, 44%)
or suicidal ideation (n=28, 36%), where females significantly outnumbered males (89% vs 66%; p=.028). Other
presentations included low mood, anxiety and behavioural problems, and following assessment from an adult
mental health service team member, 55% (n=39) were given an Axis I psychiatric diagnosis. Almost all adolescents
were discharged following assessment (n=68, 96%), the majority being referred on to Child and Adolescent Mental
Health Service (CAMHS) (55, 78%).
Conclusion
Crisis presentations to EDs often occur in adolescents with co-existing psychiatric disorders, and require skilled and
therapeutic assessment. Knowledge of appropriate services for onward referral is essential, and highlight the
importance of a close collaborative between adult EDs and CAMHS.
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