Rise in first-time admissions to country’s psychiatric units

MORE than 6,000 people were admitted to psychiatric units for the first time in their life last year, the youngest of whom was aged just 11.

Figures revealed by the Health Research Board (HRB) show that despite an overall fall in psychiatric admissions between 2009 and 2010, a significant section of the population has mental health issues.

According to the statistics — detailed in the annual Activities of Irish Psychiatric Units and Hospitals Report — 19,619 people were admitted to the specialist units last year — down from 20,195 in 2009.