Mental Health Needs

Paediatric wards have seen a large increase in admissions primarily related to mental health problems. Physical health staff reported that mental health presentations were increasingly common on paediatric wards. Integrated care is promoted because children and adolescents often have interconnected physical and mental health needs. Children with chronic or life-limiting physical conditions are more likely than peers to experience depression and anxiety. Presentations needing both physical and mental healthcare include eating disorders, self-harm, attempted suicide, intoxication, and trauma-linked somatisation.