Absconding From Nonforensic Psychiatric Inpatient Settings: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors and Associated...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Services Research
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Absconding from psychiatric inpatient units poses significant challenges.
• It leads to adverse outcomes like treatment interruption, relapse, and self-harm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize risk factors for absconding in nonforensic psychiatric inpatients.
• To inform clinical risk assessment and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases.
• Included studies published from inception to December 31, 2025.
• Focused on adult patients in nonforensic psychiatric settings examining absconding risk factors.

Main Results:

• Younger age was the most consistent risk factor.
• Other factors include psychotic disorders, involuntary admission, and early admission phase (first two weeks).
• Male sex, environmental factors, poor insight, irritability, and prior absconding also increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Absconding is multifactorial, influenced by demographic, clinical, and environmental variables.
• Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial.
• Targeted interventions can improve prevention and patient safety.