Profiling Absconders from Public and Private Inpatient Psychiatric Units: a Comparative Analysis

Research related to absconding and its associated risks is limited in relation to inpatients from private psychiatric units. This study aimed to compare patients who abscond from public and private psychiatric inpatient settings. Demographic data was collated on the subjects ( n = 214) who all had a history of absconding. Public absconders ( n = 159) were more likely to have a psychotic illness, increased number of psychiatric diagnoses, history of aggression, substance use and homelessness, when compared to private absconders. Predictors identified for private absconders ( n = 55) were female gender and fewer drugs used. This study has implications for the different profiles of absconders between the public and private settings.