The median inpatient hospital stay for youth receiving mental health treatment declined from 12.2 days to 4.5 days between 1990 and 2000. This decrease occurred in spite of increases in the diagnosis of serious psychiatric disorders and cases of self-injury, says a study published in the Archives of General Psychology.
Doctors have offered varying explanations for shortened stays. Some suggest this is due to insurance companies requiring stricter diagnoses for payment, while others cite advances in pediatric diagnoses and prolonged outpatient care.
Read more: Youth are receiving shorter inpatient stays for mental health treatment