Mental and psychosocial health among youth after their first psychiatric hospitalization: a feasibility study

Abstract

Objective: This pilot study investigated the feasibility of studying 12-month readmission of youth aged 10-16 years following their first psychiatric hospitalization and changes in youth mental and psychosocial health prospectively. Results: Inpatient youth with a first psychiatric hospitalization and their parents were recruited from a regional hospital in Canada. Data were collected at recruitment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-discharge. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess changes in health outcomes. Nineteen eligible youth were approached and 15 (78.9%) consented to participate (13.9±2.0 years, 73.3% female). Eleven youth (73.3%) gave permission to contact their parents, all of whom participated (39.2±7.6 years). Four youth dropped out of the study (26.7%) and six youth-parent dyads completed all four follow-ups. The readmission rate was 20.0% (n=3) over 12 months. Significant changes in youth-reported symptoms of conduct disorder (F=3.0, p=0.06) and adverse childhood experiences (F=3.4, p=0.05) were found. Changes in parent-reported youth mental health symptoms (F=3.1, p=0.06), particularly among internalizing disorders, youth health-related quality of life (F=11.3, p<0.01), and youth disability (F=2.7, p=0.08) were significant. This preliminary work demonstrates the feasibility of, and need to, engage youth and their families to understand their mental and psychosocial health during this vulnerable time in their lives.