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A 15 month follow-up study of children admitted to a child psychiatric inpatient unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Declan Sheerin ,
Roseann Maguire  and
Jean Robinson
Declan Sheerin
Affiliation:
Child and Family Centre, Drogheda, Ireland
Roseann Maguire
Affiliation:
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
Jean Robinson
Affiliation:
Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen, Scotland
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Abstract

Objectives: This study focused on measuring symptomatology and self-esteem in children admitted to an inpatient child psychiatric unit.

Method: Twenty-six children consecutively admitted to a child psychiatric unit were assessed using the Rutter Parent Interview, the Birleson Depression Scale and the Harter Self Perception Profile for Children. Children were followed up at three and 15 months post-discharge and the same measures administered.

Results: A stay in the unit was linked with a significant reduction in overall symptomatology and this was particularly so for emotional-type symptoms at both follow-up points and for hyperactive-inattentive symptoms at 15-month follow-up. The unit did not appear to be successful at reducing conduct symptoms at either followup. Nor did self-esteem change significantly following an inpatient episode. Children with depressive symptoms especially appeared to benefit both in the short- and longterm and this benefit extended to self-esteem.

Conclusions: When analysing the benefits of an inpatient admission it is crucial to consider outcome and therefore efficacy on a long-term basis. Efficacy needs to take into account longer-term outcomes. The impact of an inpatient episode on a child's psychosocial adjustment will for some children take time. These ‘sleeper effects’ need further study.

Keywords

Child psychiatryInpatient unitsSymptomatologyDepressionSelf-esteemOutcome
Type
Brief Reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , September 1999 , pp. 97 - 103
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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