Characteristics of the Detained and Informal Child and Adolescent Psychiatric In-Patient Populations

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Mental Health Law
• Inpatient Services

Background:

• Surveyed the application of the Children Act and Mental Health Act.
• Focused on inpatient child and adolescent mental health services.
• Study conducted in England and Wales.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the use of the Children Act and Mental Health Act.
• To understand formal admission practices in CAMHS.
• To analyze patient characteristics based on admission status.

Main Methods:

• Day census data collection from psychiatric inpatient units.
• Questionnaire forms completed by consultant psychiatrists or key-workers.
• Data obtained from 71 out of 80 surveyed units.

Main Results:

• 127 of 663 patients were formally admitted, primarily under the Mental Health Act.
• Formally admitted patients were older, with a higher proportion of males.
• Formally admitted patients exhibited 'adult-type diagnoses' like schizophrenia, mood disorders, and personality disorder.

Conclusions:

• The study offers a current overview of Act usage in this patient group.
• Findings highlight differences in demographics and diagnoses between formal and informal admissions.
• Provides a valuable snapshot of legal frameworks in child and adolescent mental health inpatient settings.