A new report published by the Health Research Board (HRB) shows that almost two-thirds of alcohol-related psychiatric inpatient cases were repeat admissions.
The report, based on the HRB’s National Psychiatric Inpatient Reporting System (NPIRS) data, highlights patterns in alcohol-related admissions over a ten-year period from 2015 to 2024.
During this period, there were 163,715 psychiatric inpatient admissions. Of these, 9,586 were alcohol-related, accounting for approximately 6% of all admissions.
The data show a consistent pattern of repeat admission among this group, with 64% of alcohol-related cases involving readmissions.
In terms of clinical profile, one-half of repeat admissions involved alcohol dependence syndrome* – as opposed to other alcohol-related conditions such as harmful use, acute intoxication and other alcohol-related disorders.
Geographic patterns in the data show higher per capita rates of inpatient admission in rural counties.
Cases in urban areas were more likely to involve alcohol dependence syndrome and tended to present at older ages compared to the national average.
On average nationally, those who were readmitted were aged 48 years, compared with 45 years for those admitted for the first time.
Alcohol-related admissions were more common among men, who accounted for 60% of cases, with 44% of patients aged between 45 and 64 years.
Women admitted were typically older (mean age 48 years on first admission and 51 years on readmission) compared to males (mean age 43 and 46 years respectively).
Women were more likely to be married, and more likely to be treated in private facilities. They also had longer inpatient stays than men.
Younger people were also affected, with 6% of cases involving people aged 16 to 25.
The report also highlights differences in social and demographic characteristics. Almost half of patients were single, and men admitted were more likely to be single and unemployed.
The data also show that over one-third of patients were discharged within one week of admission.
Over the course of the study period, alcohol-related admissions declined by 41%. This trend reflects a broader shift towards treating such cases in the community rather than in psychiatric inpatient settings, in line with mental health policy and service developments.
The decline in psychiatric hospitalisations for these conditions does not reflect a decline in the prevalence of alcohol use disorder.
Report co-author, Anne Doyle said: “As treatment for alcohol-related conditions shifts to the community, this report highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring of inpatient and community settings to understand trends and patterns to inform service planning and delivery.
“The introduction of individual health identifiers for patients across the health system – public and private – will assist in tracking patient pathways and generate a better understanding of repeat admission patterns.”
The study is based on admissions to psychiatric inpatient facilities approved by the Mental Health Commission, including public, voluntary and private centres, and does not include treatment provided in community or other non-hospital settings.
Ends
* Alcohol dependence syndrome symptoms:
- A strong desire or compulsion to drink
- Difficulty controlling when or how much is drunk
- Withdrawal symptoms (eg tremors, sweating, anxiety)
- Evidence of tolerance (needing more alcohol for the same effect)
- Neglect of other activities or responsibilities
- Continued drinking despite clear harm (physical, mental, or social)
