Rate of adolescent inpatient admission for psychosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective chart review

Aim Given the concerns for mental health (MH) impacts on children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the relative paucity of research in this field, this retrospective study compares the rate of paediatric inpatient MH admissions for psychosis for a period of 11 months before and during the pandemic. Methods We used administrative data to compare the rate and clinical characteristics of patients (<18 years) admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for a psychotic illness before (March 17, 2019 to February 17, 2020) and during (March 17, 2020 to February 17, 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Results showed a 66% increase in inpatient psychosis admissions from pre-pandemic rates. More males were admitted with psychosis during the pandemic. Age and length of hospitalization were not significantly different across time periods. Conclusions Results highlight the importance of accessible MH care for paediatric patients with psychosis during the pandemic.