Patterns and characteristics of visits to psychiatric emergency departments: a three-year data study in China

The composition and characteristics of emergency patients in the Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University during 2020-2022 were retrospectively analyzed to provide data support for the optimization of the process of psychiatric emergency and the elastic allocation of emergency medical staff. This study collected data from patients who sought medical attention at the emergency department of the Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022. The fundamental information of these patients was statistically analyzed using descriptive analytic methods. In addition, a comprehensive statistical analysis was performed on the data of patient visits, which included precise triage time points, months, and seasons, in order to evaluate the temporal distribution of patient visits. The patient population had an average age of 36.4 years and was slightly more female (54.08%). The mean age of the male and female patients was 36.4 ± 18.91 and 36.4 ± 16.80 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant age difference between the male and female patients (p > 0.05). The top five diseases were mental disorder (6,483 cases), bipolar disorder (3,017 cases), depressive episode (2522 cases), schizophrenia (1778 cases) and anxiety state (1097 cases), accounting for 35.63%, 16.58%, 13.86%, 9.77% and 6.03% of the total, respectively. Additionally, a notable record of psychiatric drug intoxication was noted. Significant comorbidity with physical disorders, such as hypertension (9.36%), hypokalemia (3.41%), diabetes (2.83%), and cerebral infarction (2.79%), was also seen. The results of seasonal and monthly analysis indicated that emergency attendance patterns fluctuated, peaking in the spring and fall. The patterns of daily visits also revealed two peak times. The first peak occurs from 8:00 to 10:00, and the second peak occurs from 14:00 to 16:00. This study emphasizes the increasing occurrence of mental problems in psychiatric crises, particularly among younger populations, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive care methods. Specialized treatment methods and collaborative networks are required to address the substantial prevalence of psychiatric medication poisoning. Efficient allocation of resources and heightened security protocols are vital in emergency departments, particularly during periods of high demand and in handling instances of patient hostility.