Characteristics and treatment needs of preadolescent versus adolescent children in an intensive residential treatment program

Increasing numbers of younger children are entering intensive residential treatment, but most programs were developed for older children. This study compares preadolescent and adolescent children in a residential treatment program across a broad range of behavioral, emotional, and medical measures. This study examined data for 693 children consecutively admitted to a psychiatric residential treatment facility between January 2005 and December 2010. Data included problems at admission, early problem behavior in program, use of seclusion and restraint, health care and psychological services utilization, psychotropic medications, and length of stay. Generally, preadolescents were more behaviorally and emotionally troubled than were adolescents. Adolescents had higher medical care utilization rates. Results highlight the need for designing and implementing treatment programs tailored to meet the differing needs of preadolescent and adolescent children.