Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Ante Prodan
Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Jo-an Occhipinti
Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and Computer Simulation & Advanced Research Technologies, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Yun Ju Christine Song
Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Simon Chiu
Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Simon Judkins
Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Elizabeth Scott
Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and St Vincent's Private Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Ian B. Hickie
Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Background Primary youth mental health services in Australia have increased access to care for young people, yet the longer-term outcomes and utilisation of other health services among these populations is unclear. Aims To describe the emergency department presentation patterns of a help-seeking youth mental health cohort. Method Data linkage was performed to extract Emergency Department Data Collection registry data (i.e. emergency department presentations, pattern of re-presentations) for a transdiagnostic cohort of 7024 youths (aged 12–30 years) who presented to mental health services. Outcome measures were pattern of presentations and reason for presentations (i.e. mental illness; suicidal behaviours and self-harm; alcohol and substance use; accident and injury; physical illness; and other). Results During the follow-up period, 5372 (76.5%) had at least one emergency department presentation. The presentation rate was lower for males (IRR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.86–0.89) and highest among those aged 18 to 24 (IRR = 1.117, 95% CI 1.086–1.148). Almost one-third (31.12%) had an emergency department presentation that was directly associated with mental illness or substance use, and the most common reasons for presentation were for physical illness and accident or injury. Index visits for mental illness or substance use were associated with a higher rate of re-presentation. Conclusions Most young people presenting to primary mental health services also utilised emergency services. The preventable and repeated nature of many presentations suggests that reducing the ongoing secondary risks of mental disorders (i.e. substance misuse, suicidality, physical illness) could substantially improve the mental and physical health outcomes of young people.
