Mood disorders in adolescents admitted to psychiatric units – risk factors

Abstract

Introduction and objective: In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of mood disorders in the developmental population. Their atypical nature, symptoms masking the diagnosis, and a high risk of auto-aggressive behaviours are also noticeable. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of mood disorders in the population of psychiatrically hospitalised adolescents. Materials and methods: The research material was an anonymous database of 1,311 patients aged 13–18 years, treated for 10 years (2006–2015) in a stationary youth ward. A group of patients with mood disorders was selected from the study population. Results: Mood/affective disorders were diagnosed in 13.5% of hospitalised adolescents. The mean age of patients with this diagnosis was 16 years. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the diagnosis of mood disorders and a history of suicide attempts (in >50%), self-injury (in >54%), learning difficulties, truancy, and repeating a grade. Conclusions: It was found that a history of suicide attempts, learning difficulties, truancy, repeating a grade, and a history of self-injury were risk factors for affective disorders in the study population.