Social demographics and clinical characteristics of referred adult mental health patients to an Australian secure extended care unit: a 5-year retrospective study

Das P, Robertson E, Harpwood V, Tierney S

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2025 · doi:10.1177/00207640251343171

ABSTRACT

Explored sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 121 consecutive referrals to Austin Health SECU (2019–2023). Primary analysis on 98 first-time referrals. Descriptive statistics with non-parametric comparisons (Chi-square and Fisher's exact test).

N = 121 total · 98 first-time referrals · 5-year cohort

KEY FINDINGS

  • Predominantly single males of European ancestry, aged 25–34, ≤10 years education, on disability benefits

  • Schizophrenia predominant; 50% comorbid personality trait/disorder; substance use in 82.6%

  • Trauma history in over three-quarters; physical comorbidity in 80%

  • Hepatitis C positivity at 20% — supports universal bloodborne virus screening

    Clozapine and ECT utilisation remained low despite cohort complexity, indicating unmet treatment need

  • SECU demonstrated to be meeting its mandate accepting high-risk patients who have failed community management

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