Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Care for People With a Dual Diagnosis: Patient Profiles and Lengths of Stay

The characteristics of psychiatry inpatients with developmental disabilities & their admissions to psychiatry wards in 2 acute care hospitals are described. 62 individuals with developmental disabilities had 101 admissions over the study period. Suicidal ideation was the most common admission reason (46%), & mood disorder was the most common discharge diagnosis (29%). Variables that were significantly associated with length of stay among individuals with developmental disabilities included gender, referral source, & diagnosis. (27 refs)