| |  | | | | Patient Profile | | | | | | | | | The Lowther Adolescent Service aims to meet the complex psychiatric, social, psychological and emotional needs of adolescent boys and girls between the age of 13 and 19 years at admission who require treatment in a medium secure setting. Dangerous, anti-social or offending behaviour can be associated with a variety of problems such as serious mental illness, disturbed attachment or childhood trauma. Other important factors are family difficulties, educational problems or physical illness. Young people accepted for treatment in the Lowther Adolescent Service may present with some or all of these features.
Typical behavioural problems include:
 Self-harm
Absconding
Suicidal Behaviour
Substance abuse
Violence to others
Offending
Fire setting
Non-compliance with care and treatment
Sexually abusive behaviour
Admission Criteria
Admission will usually only be considered if criteria for detention in hospital are met and a suitable Section of the Mental Health Act (1983), or another appropriate legal framework applied or ordered by a court. Restricted under Section 41 and 47 of the Mental Health Act (1983) is accepted.
Mental Disorders
Typical mental disorders that may be associated with behavioural problems include:
Disorder of conduct and emotions
Attachment Disorders
Post traumatic stress disorder
Eating Disorder
Dissociative disorder
Depressive disorder
Psychotic disorders
Personality disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Young people are accepted for assessment and treatment with all forms of serious Mental Disorders, including disorders of emotion, conduct, affect and psychosis. Co-morbidity and complex diagnostic problems are characteristic. Many of the young people admitted to this service have a history of severe adversity or abuse in childhood. Complex post truamatic symptoms, often associated with borderline personality disorder features or psychosis, may have responded poorly to treatment in outpatient or open settings but will usually benefit from the comprehensive assessment and treatment available in this specialist service. Forensic aspects and statutory issues under the Children's Act (1989) are common.
Learning Disability
Whilst St Andrew's Healthcare provides a separate service for young people with significant Learning Disability, some young people accepted by the Lowther Adolescent Service will have educational delay or mild learning difficulties. | | | | |
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