Work

Age-Related Differences in Mental Health Status at Psychiatric Discharge Among Patients Across 10 Acute Care Facilities in Alberta, Canada: Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The transition from psychiatric inpatient care to community settings is associated with heightened vulnerability and increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes. Understanding age-related differences in mental health status at discharge may inform the targeting of post-discharge interventions and potentially improve longer-term outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study examined associations between age and baseline demographic, clinical, and mental health characteristics among participants enrolled in the Text4Support program following discharge from psychiatric inpatient care. METHODS: Baseline data from 1,106 participants discharged from inpatient psychiatric units across Alberta, Canada, were analyzed. Participants were grouped by age (18-25 years, 26-40 years, and >40 years). Mental health outcomes were assessed using validated self-report measures. Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA or Welch's ANOVA were used to examine age-related differences in categorized and continuous outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: Significant age-related differences were observed across several mental health outcomes. Younger participants (18-25 years) reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, along with lower resilience and recovery scores, compared with participants aged >40 years. Differences in quality of life were also observed, with younger adults reporting greater anxiety/depression and participants aged >40 years reporting more mobility-related problems. CONCLUSIONS: Marked age-related disparities in mental health status were evident at the point of psychiatric discharge, with younger adults demonstrating greater vulnerability. These findings underscore the importance of age-informed risk stratification and tailored transitional care strategies following inpatient psychiatric treatment and suggest that different strategies may be required depending upon age.

Source: JMIR Human Factors

DOI: 10.2196/92360