• Richard Corrigall and Dinesh Bhugra.
• Snowsfields Adolescent Unit, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK. richard.corrigall@slam.nhs.uk
• J R Soc Med. 2013 May 1; 106 (5): 190-5.

ObjectivesTo explore whether ethnic variations in psychiatric admission and detention reported for adults also apply to adolescents and to establish the influence of diagnosis.DesignA longitudinal, case-note study over a 10-year period.SettingAn adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in London.ParticipantsAll adolescents admitted to the unit.Main Outcome MeasuresRates of admission and detention under the Mental Health Act, according to catchment area population.ResultsYoung Black people were nearly six times more likely than the White group to be admitted with psychosis but showed no increase in admission for non-psychotic conditions. Young people in the Other group were over three times more likely to be admitted with psychosis but showed only a modest increase in admission with non-psychotic conditions. Young Asians were over twice as likely to be admitted with psychosis but were only one-third as likely to be admitted with non-psychotic conditions. Young people with psychosis in the Black and Other groups were around three times more likely to have been detained, but there were no significant differences for non-psychotic conditions.ConclusionsSignificant ethnic variation was found in the rates of admission and detention for adolescents. However, diagnosis was also an important consideration and must be taken into account when examining for evidence of ethnic bias in the use of mental health services by young people. Further investigation is required to establish whether adolescent care pathways are providing a safe and appropriate level of inpatient care for all ethnic groups.

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