Child and adolescent mental health problems and substance use presentations to an emergency department.
Summary of "Child and adolescent mental health problems and substance use presentations to an emergency department."
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and referral pattern of children and adolescents with mental health problems, substance misuse and comorbidity presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a large public hospital. Method: A file audit of the ED information system was conducted over a 12 month period. Outcome measures included age, gender, diagnostic presentation, assessment, referral and disposal. Results: Forty-four substance misuse, 128 mental health and 82 comorbidity presentations were identified; 80% required treatment within 30 minutes. Few substance misuse cases were seen by mental health services and no substance misuse cases were referred for mental health service assessment. All mental health and comorbidity cases were seen by mental health services; 41% were referred to outpatient and 18% to inpatient services. Those with mental health problems displayed high levels of self-mutilation, and those with comorbidity displayed high levels of self-mutilation and substance misuse. Alcohol use was common in the substance misuse group, and over the counter or prescription medications were abused by the mental health and comorbidity groups. Conclusions: This age group places a high demand on the ED. All children and adolescents with recognized mental health symptoms were seen by mental health services, but those with substance misuse were not. Given the long-term problems associated with substance misuse, this is a missed opportunity for intervention.
Affiliation
School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, La Trobe University , Bundoora, VIC , Australia.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
ISSN: 1440-1665
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22011197
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10398562.2011.603329
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
United States Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Adminis...
An agency of the PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE concerned with the overall planning, promoting, and administering of programs pertaining to substance abuse and mental health. It is commonly referred to by the acronym SAMHSA. On 1 October 1992, the United States Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA) became SAMHSA.
Mental Health Associations
Voluntary organizations which support educational programs and research in psychiatry with the objective of the promotion of mental health. An early association in the United States was founded as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene in 1909, became the Mental Health Association in 1976 and later the National Mental Health Association in 1980. State and local mental health associations in this country are chartered by the national organization and affiliated with it.
Child, Abandoned
A child or adolescent who is deserted by parents or parent substitutes without regard for its future care.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Paramedical personnel trained to provide basic emergency care and life support under the supervision of physicians and/or nurses. These services may be carried out at the site of the emergency, in the ambulance, or in a health care institution.
Child, Exceptional
A child whose needs, abilities, or other characteristics vary so much from the average in mental, physical, or social areas that a greater than usual level of services is needed to facilitate the child's maximum potential development.
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