Alcohol-related psychiatric inpatient admissions in Ireland – characteristics, trends and factors associated with first and repeat admissions, 2015–2024

Background

The association between alcohol use and poor mental health is well known. Although psychiatric services and supports are typically delivered in community settings, some individuals require specialist inpatient care for alcohol-related disorders. For many, multiple admissions may be required, referred to as the ‘Revolving Door’ (RD) phenomenon.

Aims

This study examines alcohol-related admissions to inpatient psychiatric units during a 10-year period (2015 – 2024) using data from the Irish National Psychiatric Inpatient Reporting System (NPIRS). The study aims to compare characteristics of first admissions and re-admissions to examine factors associated with RD admissions.

Methods

This study used retrospective, anonymised NPIRS data. Descriptive statistics were conducted, and statistical significance was assessed using Pearson X2 tests.

Results

During the study period, 5.9% of all inpatient admissions into psychiatric units were alcohol related and almost two-thirds were readmissions (63.8%). Both first and readmissions were predominantly single, male, employed and aged between 45 – 64 years with a diagnosis of alcohol dependency. Readmissions were significantly more likely to have a longer length of stay.

Key sex differences in alcohol-related admissions were noted. Male admissions were significantly more likely to be single and younger. Females were more likely to be older, private patients and have longer inpatient stays.

Rural areas accounted for a larger share of alcohol-related admissions.

Conclusions

Despite accounting for less than 6% of all psychiatric admissions, alcohol-related psychiatric hospitalisations represent substantial healthcare costs. The findings from this study highlight the need for more targeted, sex-sensitive interventions to reduce the high level of readmissions.