Population and service characteristics of youth with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses in the Hawaii system of care.
BACKGROUND
Population and service characteristics were compared for youth (age 0-18 years) with and without schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, who received public mental health services in Hawaii's comprehensive system of care between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2001.


METHODS
Electronic records of youth with a diagnosis in the schizophrenia-spectrum (n=71) were compared to all other youth (n=13,904) who received services with respect to age, gender, ethnicity, comorbidity, type of service, and service cost.


RESULTS
The schizophrenia-spectrum group had higher Asian representation, greater comorbidity, and was more likely to receive restrictive services for a higher average annual expense. When restrictive services were provided, they were of similar duration and intensity across groups. Almost all youth received less intensive services, but the schizophrenia-spectrum group received a higher frequency or longer duration of such services.


CONCLUSIONS
Although youth with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders were uncommon, collectively they represented a distinct population with above average service consumption. Future monitoring of interventions and outcomes may help develop systematic and effective treatment strategies for youth with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
Schiffman
Jason
J
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu 96822-2216, USA. schiffma@hawaii.edu
Daleiden
Eric L
EL
D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003710:Demography; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006254:Hawaii / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D011634:Public Health; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*