HRB’s latest report, Activities of Irish Psychiatric Units and Hospitals, 2025, shows there were 15,995 admissions (adult and child and adolescent admissions) to Irish psychiatric units and hospitals, a slight increase from 2024.
Eating disorders were the most common diagnosis among admissions to child and adolescent units. Almost three in four of all child and adolescent admissions were female, continuing a trend seen in recent years.
The majority (98%) of admissions were to adult psychiatric units and hospitals. Almost 2% were to child and adolescent units.
Consistent with previous years, depressive disorders accounted for the highest proportion of all adult admissions, followed by schizophrenia. Adult admissions were mostly single, middle-aged, and unemployed.
For the fourth year running, data shows an increase in admissions among adults with no fixed abode. The main admission diagnosis among people with no fixed abode was schizophrenia.
Commenting on the findings, HRB Chief Executive, Dr Gráinne Gorman, says:
“This HRB data creates better understanding about the characteristics and trends among people receiving psychiatric inpatient treatment. By analysing trends each year, we can provide evidence to inform policy and service planning and track the impact of changes over time.”
Key figures for adult admissions
There was a similar proportion of male and female admissions, with those aged 25-34 years having the highest rate of all admissions. The average length of stay on discharge was 51 days (median 15 days).
Antoinette Daly, HRB Research Officer and co-author of the report, says:
“Our data shows an increase in admissions for people with no fixed abode, rising from 291 in 2022 to 375 in 2025. A key benefit of HRB collecting data on inpatient activities is that we can monitor trends over time and provide insights into specific demographics, particularly in relation to acute adult admissions, continuing care and admissions among children.”
Key figures for child and adolescent admissions
There were 342 admissions for under 18s in 2025, an increase from 332 in 2024. The majority were female (74%).
The highest proportion of admissions recorded in 2025 was for eating disorders, which accounted for 28% of all under 18s admissions. This was followed by depressive disorders (18%), anxiety or fear-related disorders/OCD/stress-related disorders (14%), and behavioural and emotional disorders (11%).
Commenting on this, Antoinette Daly said:
“The last five years have seen a gradual increase in the proportion of admissions with eating disorders among children and adolescents, from 18% in 2020, to 28% in 2025. Females accounted for 97% of all admissions for eating disorders.”
ENDS
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NOTE TO EDITORS
The report is compiled from data supplied by the 67 approved psychiatric units and hospitals on the Register of Approved Centres under the Mental Health Act 2001.
Media enquiries related to service delivery and child and adolescent eating disorders should be directed to the HSE Press and Media. All other media enquiries should be directed to HRB Communications Officer Suzanne Kenny skenny@hrb.ie
