Mental Health Reform, Ireland’s leading national coalition for mental health, is today responding to the Health Research Board’s 2023 Annual Report on the Activities of Irish Psychiatric Units and Hospitals.
The report presents data on all admissions, discharges and deaths in Irish psychiatric units throughout Ireland.
Ber Grogan, Policy and Research Manager, Mental Health Reform, said: “We welcome this report which provides important insights on inpatient mental health services in Ireland.
The data shows that for the first time, eating disorders accounted for the highest proportion of all under-18 admissions along with depressive disorders. The number of admissions for eating disorders has increased by 43% in the last 5 years, from 54 in 2019 to 77 in 2023.
The prevalence of eating disorders is extremely concerning. Since the pandemic, there has been an alarming rise in eating disorders among young females with more severe clinical presentations. Eating disorders can lead to serious physical and psychological complications – some of which are life-threatening.
These findings highlight the importance of increased funding for the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders. Years of underinvestment have delayed the development of eating disorder teams across the country. The lack of appropriate services can have devastating consequences for those who require urgent care. People with eating disorders should have access to timely assessment and treatment as close to home as possible.
We welcome the decrease in the number of children and adolescents admitted to adult inpatient units. An adult inpatient unit can be a frightening environment for a child in distress. More resources must be allocated to ensure children are placed in appropriate facilities. We urge the Government to permanently prohibit this practice through the reform of the Mental Health Act.
The report shows a slight reduction in the number of involuntary admissions which is very welcome. However, we are concerned by the increase in involuntary admissions for children under 18. Involuntary admission can be a traumatic experience for a young person with mental health difficulties therefore it should only be used as a last resort.
Overall, the report underscores the need to reform the Mental Health Act, 2001. Mental Health Reform is deeply disappointed that the Mental Health Bill 2024 will not be signed into law before the General Election. The protracted delay in the reform of this legislation is completely unacceptable. The next Government must commit to reinstating the Bill at Committee Stage as an urgent priority.”
