Two years' referrals to a regional adolescent unit: Some implications for psychiatric services

During a two year period the problems presented by 500 boys and girls referred to a psychiatric service for adolescents were examined. Their problems were multiple and complicated, and the contribution that could be made by a primarily psychiatric team varied considerably and in some cases was minimal. There was a tendency for the most urgent, pressing requests for admission to be on behalf of young people in long standing social difficulties for whom immediate admission to a psychiatric unit was least appropriate. It was concluded that while there is undoubtedly a core of adolescents with complex personal problems who are best helped in a psychiatric unit, this group is of uncertain size and perhaps smaller than is sometimes thought. What was in less doubt was our impression that for a substantial number of those referred for admission, alternatives to psychiatric care were more appropriate and would be available if non-clinical resources were more effectively organised, staffed and supported. Implications for the development of services for adolescents are discussed.