Full Text Full Text (PDF) Supplemental table Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Goldstein, A. B. Articles by Leaf, P. J. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Goldstein, A. B. Articles by Leaf, P. J. Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Minority Issues Crisis and Emergency Treatment Related Articles

Factors Associated With a Six-Month Return to Emergency Services Among Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Patients

OBJECTIVES: This analysis identified factors associated with emergency department recidivism among pediatric psychiatric patients and factors that may differentiate repeat and one-time visits. METHODS: The researchers examined six-month recidivism among a sample of 509 patients of ages four to 18 years who made mental health visits to an urban pediatric emergency department in 2004. RESULTS: Patients who made repeat visits were more likely to be involved in mental health and social services than patients who did not return to the emergency department. Repeat visitors were also more likely to be African American, have a history of psychiatric hospitalization, and present with suicidal or disruptive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the emergency department is being used as part of the continuum of care for patients already in treatment, particularly those displaying disruptive behavior. Additional research is needed to determine whether this recidivism is clinically indicated or reflects a lack of available or appropriate care in community settings.

Related Articles:

November 2007: This Month's Highlights
Psychiatr Serv 2007 58: 1395. [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2007 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us