Inpatient Psychiatric Adolescents Function Better Than Expected After Discharge. A Follow-up Study

A 4-9 yr follow-up study examined the relationship between changes in mental status & duration of treatment & number of therapeutic modalities used among 58 adolescent psychiatric inpatients. At follow-up, approximately 30% of Ss appeared to have normal, socially varied lives. Results were better for Ss whose treatment lasted for more than 3 mo & had included psychotherapy. Prognosis was worst for Ss transferred to adult treatment units because of violent & suicidal behaviour. (14 refs.)