Children from disrupted and adoptive homes on an inpatient unit.
Among 375 children and adolescents admitted to a psychiatric hospital inpatient unit, the proportion of adopted children was considerably higher than that of a general pediatric population or of census figures, and the majority of nonadoptees were from disrupted homes. Based on a review of case records, adoption and family disruptions appear to increase significantly the length of hospitalization and to shift diagnoses toward behavioral disturbances. Implications for prevention and treatment are considered.
Dickson
L R
LR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Heffron
W M
WM
Parker
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000300:Adoption / Q000523:psychology*; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004243:Divorce / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D010553:Personality Development; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D012307:Risk Factors