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.