A survey on the presentation of adolescents to a specialised child and adolescent psychiatry unit in the Colombo district

Abstract

Introduction: In Sri Lanka, there is only one specialised psychiatry in-patient unit for adolescents, with most out-patient services provided by general adult psychiatrists. There is a lack of data on adolescents within mental health services, impeding resource allocation. This study aimed to describe the socio-demographic factors, clinical factors and management practices relating to adolescents presenting to psychiatry services. Methods: A survey of clinic records of adolescents (10-19-year-olds) presenting to the University Psychiatry Unit, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo, during the year 2020 was conducted, using a specifically designed data collection sheet.