Risk Factor Analysis for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder-related Hospitalization in Children, Adolescents, and Transitional-Age-Youth

Introduction: This study examined risk factors for schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD)-related hospitalization among children, adolescents, and transitional-age-youth (TAY). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the nationwide inpatient sample included 618,495 inpatients aged 6–24, divided into SSD and other psychiatric illness cohorts. Results: SSD accounted for 15% of psychiatric hospitalizations. Most SSD inpatients were ages 18–24 (91%), male (68.9%), and identified as Caucasian (37.7%) or African American (35.8%). Higher odds of SSD hospitalization were seen in TAY (OR=17.2), males (OR=2.5), African American (OR=2.8), and Hispanic (OR=2.06) individuals. Stimulant-related disorders (OR=1.36) and epilepsy (OR=1.24) increased risk, especially in children 6–11. Adolescents 12–17, cannabis-related disorders increased SSD hospitalization odds (OR=1.21). Conclusions: Children under 11 are more likely to be hospitalized for SSD due to stimulant-related disorders and epilepsy, while adolescents face higher risks linked to cannabis-related disorders, highlighting the need for targeted inpatient treatment.