Rise in number of children sent to adult psychiatric units

The number of children being admitted to adult psychiatric hospitals reportedly increased by almost one-fifth last year, despite plans to phase out the practice.

Reports this morning say 260 of the 406 children and adolescents admitted to mental health services last year were sent to adult units.

This compares to 218 the previous year.

The practice of putting children in adult psychiatric units has been repeatedly criticised by mental health campaigners, but there are still not enough child and adolescent beds to cope with demand.

Of the 406 under-18s admitted to mental health services last year, 26% had depressive disorders, 18% had an eating disorder, 15% had been diagnosed with neuroses and 9% had schizophrenia.