Psychiatric emergencies and the millennium: an international study.
BACKGROUND
The millennium posed an unknown challenge to mental health services worldwide. In anticipation, contingencies were implemented in preparation for the unexpected impact on psychiatric morbidity.


RESULTS
This study evaluates the impact of the millennium on psychiatric emergency service utilization in the Northern and Southern hemispheres--the UK, Nigeria and Australia. Findings did not demonstrate a notable "millennium effect" on mental health services. A number of patients presented psychopathology incorporating millennium themes. A post-Christmas and post-New Year increase in presentation was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no change in service needs.
Maudsley Hospital, London, UK.
Justin
J
Sauer
Oyedeji
O
Ayonrinde
Rahman
R
Lawal
Michael
M
Finn
Abayomi
A
Ojo
D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation