First-ever admitted psychiatric inpatients in Italy: clinical characteristics and reasons contributing to admission: findings from a national survey.

The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic, clinical and treatment-related characteristics of patients admitted to any acute psychiatric inpatient facilities in Italy for the first time in their life, and to identify reasons contributing to admission. Data from the PROGRES-Acute Project, a national survey on facilities admitting acute psychiatric patients in Italy, were used. A cluster analysis was carried out in order to identify patients' groups sharing similar sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Among patients admitted during the index period, 337 were at their first-ever admission. Median age at admission was 40, and about 46% of patients were not receiving any treatment in the month prior to admission. Social/work functioning problems, social withdrawal and conflict with family members were the most common reasons contributing to admission. Cluster analysis yielded four patient groups: two groups of younger subjects, differentiating each other for frequency of antisocial behaviors, compulsory admissions, treatment at time of admission and family support; two groups of older subjects, with high rates of affective disorders, who showed remarkable differences with regard to their living situation and family support. Our study shows that first-ever admitted patients represent a highly heterogeneous group. Early intervention research should take this sociodemographic and clinical diversity into account, in order to better allocate resources and develop special intervention programs. Copyright 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.