Referral of young people attending a sexual assault referral centre to mental health services.
Mental health issues following sexual assault in young people are common but early intervention may improve outcome. A retrospective case-note review of 58 female patients aged between 13 and 18 attending The Haven Whitechapel, a sexual assault referral centre, demonstrated past emotional problems in 72% of those seen, and current emotional problems in 95% of those being followed up. Fifteen percent were already involved with adolescent mental health services (AMHS). All patients requiring and not already receiving input were referred to AMHS or in-house. Of 23 patients referred to AMHS, eight (35%) were accepted and the patients attended, seven (30%) were accepted but did not attend, six (26%) were declined and the outcome of two referrals was unknown. The prevalence of emotional problems and inconsistent referral outcomes demonstrate a need for closer links with AMHS, clearer referral criteria and improved referral pathways.
Sacks
R J
RJ
The Haven Whitechapel, Whitechapel, London, UK. rachel.sacks@newhamhealth.nhs.uk
Cybulska
B A
BA
Forster
G E
GE
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology