Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
05:52
Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
15.3K
Adolescents Presenting with Mental Health Crises.
V Gadancheva1,2, H Barry3, F McNicholas1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, CHI at Crumlin, Dublin.
Irish Medical Journal
|April 21, 2020
Summary
Adolescents frequently present to adult emergency departments for mental health crises, often involving self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Effective assessment and referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are crucial for these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Emergency Medicine
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Emergency departments (EDs) manage a significant number of adolescent mental health (MH) presentations.
- Adolescents (16-18 years) require specialized assessment and care pathways within ED settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of emergency mental health presentations and assessments in adolescents attending a Dublin adult ED.
- To understand the diagnostic outcomes and referral patterns for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective clinical data collection was performed over a 12-month period.
- Analysis included patient demographics, reasons for presentation, diagnoses, and onward referrals.
Main Results:
- Seventy-seven adolescents presented, with most occurring outside standard hours (75%).
- Self-harm (44%) and suicidal ideation (36%) were the primary reasons for presentation, with females significantly more represented.
- Over half (55%) received an Axis I psychiatric diagnosis, and 96% were discharged, with 78% referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Conclusions:
- Adolescent crisis presentations to EDs frequently involve co-existing psychiatric disorders.
- Skilled therapeutic assessment and robust collaboration between adult EDs and CAMHS are essential for optimal patient care and referral.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
399
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
399
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
187
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
187
01:30Stress and Mental Health
428
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
428
01:17Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
922
Erik Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, "identity versus role confusion," is crucial during adolescence (ages 12 to 18). In this stage, adolescents face the developmental task of forging a distinct personal identity, a process influenced by social, psychological, and biological changes typical of this period. Adolescents naturally explore different roles, behaviors, and ideologies as they navigate complex questions of self-concept, asking, "Who am I?" and "What is my place in...
922
01:27Emerging Adulthood
502
Jeffrey Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood offers a framework to understand the unique developmental stage between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood, generally from ages 18 to 25. This period is marked by extensive exploration and shifts in identity, relationships, and career choices, a process known in psychology as role experimentation. Emerging adulthood reflects the evolving cultural expectations surrounding adulthood and the dynamic process of personal transformation during...
502
01:24Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
490
Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as...
490