PREDICTORS OF LENGTH OF STAY OF PSYCHIATRIC ADOLESCENT INPATIENTS

This study reviewed 158 consecutive admissions to an inpatient adolescent psychiatric service for factors that determine length of hospitalization. Variables associated with length of stay included diagnostic category and the treatment variables of number and type of psychotropic medications prescribed. Patients with disruptive behavior disorders had the shortest hospitalizations, those with anxiety and affective disorders had stays of intermediate length, and patients with psychotic/organic disorders had the longest hospitalizations. Treatment with lithium, neuroleptics, or tricyclic antidepressants was associated with longer stays. Demographic variables and variables describing the social and family situation or level of dangerousness were not significantly associated with length of hospitalization.