Inpatient Psychiatric Care Shows Promise for Teens Facing Depression Crisis

Recent research highlights the significant benefits of inpatient psychiatric care for adolescents experiencing severe depression and suicidal thoughts, especially amid rising mental health challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. As adolescent mental health struggles and suicide rates have surged over the past decade, health care systems across the United States have seen a corresponding increase in demand for pediatric inpatient psychiatry units (IPUs). However, the effectiveness of these units has not been thoroughly studied until now.

A comprehensive study led by Dr. Patricia Ibeziako at Boston Children's Hospital analyzed electronic medical records and self-report questionnaires from over 200 adolescents aged 12 to 17 admitted to IPUs between September 2021 and September 2023. Published in
Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice,
the study revealed alarming statistics: over 75% of these teens reported having attempted suicide during their lifetime, and nearly 70% experienced suicidal thoughts within two weeks prior to admission. Depression was the most common diagnosis, affecting 93% of participants, often alongside anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related conditions.

During their hospital stay, teens received multidisciplinary care including daily medical and therapeutic interventions, group therapy, educational support, and assistance with physical health issues. Specialized tools were utilized to evaluate suicide risk and develop safety plans, with evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT playing a vital role in treatment.

A key aspect of the study was the incorporation of Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), allowing adolescents to express their feelings and progress directly through surveys. Remarkably, by the time of discharge, marked improvements were observed across various measures, especially in depressive symptoms, mood, suicidal ideation, and energy levels. The data indicated that suicidal thoughts decreased by more than half, underscoring the life-saving impact of timely psychiatric interventions.

Dr. Ibeziako emphasized that the application of the Zero Suicide framework, introduced during the pandemic, contributed significantly to these positive outcomes. This approach advocates for comprehensive, system-wide strategies to prevent youth suicide, integrating mental health treatment with broader safety protocols. The findings underscore the critical need for accessible, targeted pediatric inpatient services to mitigate the ongoing adolescent mental health crisis.

As depression and suicidal ideation among youth remain at unprecedented levels, investing in and expanding inpatient psychiatric resources is essential. These findings advocate for healthcare policies that prioritize adolescent mental health, with inpatient units serving as a vital component in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable young individuals.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-inpatient-psychiatric-teens-depressive-crisis.html