Predictors of readmission in child and adolescent psychiatry

Psychiatric readmission represents the most intensive level of care, aimed at stabilizing severe psychiatric symptoms. However, many youths are readmitted soon after discharge, leading to further disruption in social, academic, and family functioning. This narrative minireview synthesizes current evidence on predictors of psychiatric readmission among youths, with the goal of informing targeted interventions to reduce readmission. A search of major databases, including PubMed and PsycINFO, was conducted for English-language studies published between 2003 and 2025. Search terms included readmission, rehospitalization, predictors, psychiatry, children, and adolescents. Multiple factors were linked to increased risk of psychiatric readmission in youths. Psychosocial risk factors included childhood adversity and trauma, family factors, and environmental factors. Clinical characteristics included diagnostic categories, suicidal ideation/suicide attempts, neurodevelopmental disorders, and substance use. Treatment-related factors included prior hospitalizations, longer length of stay, treatment non-adherence, discharge and disposition planning, and aftercare services. System-level factors and sociodemographic factors also influenced the risk of readmission. Understanding predictors of psychiatric readmission can guide targeted prevention strategies. Addressing psychosocial vulnerabilities, improving discharge planning, and enhancing access to community-based services are essential for reducing readmission among high-risk youths. Future research should systematically evaluate both risk and protective factors and develop reliable methods for predicting readmission.