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Psychiatric consultations in pediatric inpatients
1Department of Psychiatry, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi [Journal]. Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Hospitalized children often experience emotional problems. Psychiatric consultations on pediatric wards are less frequent than in adult units, with unexplained physical symptoms being a common referral reason.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Pediatric Psychology
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Emotional and psychological issues are prevalent in hospitalized children.
- Understanding the unique mental health needs of pediatric patients is crucial for comprehensive care.
- Existing data on psychiatric consultations in pediatric wards, especially in comparison to adult units and international reports, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the frequency and characteristics of psychiatric consultations in a pediatric ward.
- To compare pediatric consultation rates and diagnoses with non-pediatric wards and Western reports.
- To identify common psychiatric diagnoses and recommended interventions for hospitalized children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of psychiatric consultations on a pediatric ward over a three-year period.
- Comparison of consultation rates and diagnostic patterns between pediatric and non-pediatric wards.
- Analysis of referral reasons, psychiatric diagnoses, and treatment recommendations.
Main Results:
- Forty psychiatric consultations were requested over three years, representing 0.35% of pediatric admissions and 1.0% of all psychiatric consultations.
- Pediatric consultation rates were significantly lower than in non-pediatric wards.
- Common referral reasons included unexplained physical symptoms; adjustment disorders, anxiety, and somatoform disorders were frequent diagnoses. Pediatric patients showed fewer organic mental disorders compared to non-pediatric groups.
- Psychological and family interventions were commonly recommended alongside medication.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalized children exhibit distinct psychological characteristics necessitating specialized psychiatric assessment and intervention.
- Enhanced collaboration between pediatricians and psychiatrists can improve the mental healthcare of sick children.
- Further research is warranted to explore the unique psychological profiles and needs of hospitalized pediatric populations.