Background: Neuro-imaging is relatively new in psychiatry. Although the actual role of neuro-imaging in psychiatry remains unclear, it is used to strengthen clinical evidence in making psychiatric diagnoses.
Aim: To analyse the records of inpatients referred for neuro-imaging (computerised tomography [CT] and/or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] scans) to determine the proportion of abnormal neuro-imaging results and, if any, factors associated with abnormal neuro-imaging results.
Objective: To describe clinical presentation and service requirements for those under six years of age referred to a specialised child and adolescent psychiatry unit.
Method: This study used a retrospective review of preschoolers, six years and younger, assessed at a child, family and adolescent psychiatric unit (January 2006 to 31 December 2010). Data analysis established predominant diagnoses (prevalence percentages) and correlations and associations (diagnoses and a range of clinical variables - Fischer's exact test and chi-square test).