Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 2770 - Why adolescents above the age of 18 stay in CAMHS in Croatia |
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| Contribution code | PS01-78 (P) |
| Authors | |
| Form of presentation | Poster |
| Topic |
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| Abstract |
Objectives: The time point when young persons with mental disorders who need continuation of psychiatric treatmen transfer to adult services differs according to local service design and can lie between the ages of 16 and 18 years or even later depending on the country. Many of them do not present to adult services immediately when they reach the transition boundry but after several years during which there is usually profound deterioration of their mental health and psychosocial functioning. Some adolescents remain in treatment in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of adolescents above the age of 18 who continued treatment in CAMHS at the Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Zagreb, and the reasons for it. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed and basic sociodemographic data, diagnoses and the reasons for continuation of treatment in CAMHS were collected in all outpatients older than 18 years during 2016. Results: Overall, 4.2% (n=512) of all outpatients at the Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Zagreb, during 2016 were above the age of 18 years. Their most common diagnoses were Emotional disorders (F93), Mixed disorders of emotions and conduct (F92), Neurotic and somatoform disorders caused by stress (F 40 - F 49), Mood disorders (F30-39), Hyerkinetic disorder (F90), Mental retardation (F 70 - F 79), Pervasive developmental disorders (F84). The main reasons for their continuation of treatment in CAMHS were lack of appropriate services in local community, a close relationship with the treating child and adolescent psychiatrist and the team staff, and their sense of belonging. Conclusion: Out data show that patients above the age of 18 represent a considerable proportion of all outpatients in CAMHS in Croatia. The reasons for remaining of patients above the age of 18 in CAMHS are objective and subjective. These reasons should be addressed in appropriate way through empowering and facilitating formal access to appropriate mental health services of young people as they grow into adulthood as well as personalised and individual approach in transitional care. |