Objective To examine trends of ED presentations with a mental health (MH) diagnosis in Australia and its jurisdictions by diagnostic group between 2004–05 and 2016–17. Methods Data comprised ED presentations with a principal diagnosis of ICD‐10‐AM F00–F99 (MHdx) captured within the National Non‐Admitted Patient Emergency Department Care Database. Trends in absolute number and rates of MHdx presentations per 10 000 population were assessed as differences (x‐fold) and annual growth rates (average and compound). Results Increased presentation rates were observed for most diagnostic groups, except for mental retardation (F70–F79) and mood disorders (F30–F39). The greatest absolute increase was for psychoactive substance use‐related disorders (F10–F19), and relative increase, unspecified mental disorder (F99). There was differentiation across jurisdictions regarding rates of and growth in presentations. In 2016–17, rates at least twice the national average were observed for psychoactive substance‐use (F10–F19), schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (F20–F29) and childhood and adolescence onset disorders (F90–F98) in the Northern Territory, F90–F98 in South Australia, personality disorders (F60–F69) in Tasmania and unspecified mental disorder (F99) in New South Wales. The most marked growth was observed for F99 in New South Wales. Conclusion Between 2004–05 and 2016–17, rates of ED presentations increased across most MH diagnostic groups, but particularly psychoactive substance use‐related disorders. To reduce the need for MH crisis care in Australian EDs, strategies are required to reduce psychoactive substance use in the community, and policies may be needed to strengthen the capability of community MH services and primary care professionals to recognise, diagnose and treat earlier in the course of illness.

Objectives: The present study aims to explore for Australia: (i) the trends of ED presentations with a mental health (MH) diagnosis by age group; and (ii) whether those trends differ from all ED presentations. Methods: ED presentations to Australian public hospitals, 2004-05 to 2016-17 were captured in the National Non-Admitted Patient Emergency Department Care Database. We assessed total change and annual rate of change in the number and rates of presentations per 10 000 population for all presentations and those with a MH principal diagnosis (ICD-10-AM F00 to F99, MH dx ). Multivariable regression was used to assess the trend of the proportion of MH dx presentations. Results: Between 2004-05 and 2016-17, children (0-14 years), followed by older persons (≥65 years) had the highest ED utilisation; while youth (15-24 years) and younger adults (25-34 years) predominated for MH dx overlook the growing impact of these sub-groups.

Objectives: To examine trends in