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Population and service characteristics of youth with schizophrenia‐spectrum diagnoses in the Hawaii system of care
Author(s) -
Schiffman Jason,
Daleiden Eric L.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of child psychology and psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.652
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1469-7610
pISSN - 0021-9630
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01448.x
Subject(s) - schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , comorbidity , population , psychiatry , ethnic group , psychological intervention , psychology , mental health , diagnosis of schizophrenia , type of service , clinical psychology , service (business) , medicine , psychosis , environmental health , anthropology , economy , economics , sociology
Background: Population and service characteristics were compared for youth (age 0–18 years) with and without schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders, who received public mental health services in Hawaii's comprehensive system of care between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2001. Methods: Electronic records of youth with a diagnosis in the schizophrenia‐spectrum ( n = 71) were compared to all other youth ( n = 13,904) who received services with respect to age, gender, ethnicity, comorbidity, type of service, and service cost. Results: The schizophrenia‐spectrum group had higher Asian representation, greater comorbidity, and was more likely to receive restrictive services for a higher average annual expense. When restrictive services were provided, they were of similar duration and intensity across groups. Almost all youth received less intensive services, but the schizophrenia‐spectrum group received a higher frequency or longer duration of such services. Conclusions: Although youth with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders were uncommon, collectively they represented a distinct population with above average service consumption. Future monitoring of interventions and outcomes may help develop systematic and effective treatment strategies for youth with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders.