Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lam WL(1), Lai SM(1), Lok EYC(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Castle Peak Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Emotional Crisis Prevention Program
Keyword 2: :
E2 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre
Introduction: :
Adolescence is characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social transformations. The pressures from school, expectations from family, and dynamics of peer relationships can exceed individuals' coping abilities, thereby heightening the risk of anxiety, depression, impulsive behaviors, and suicidal ideation., leading to psychiatric in-patient treatment. Recent suicide surveillance statistics from the Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong (2025) further highlight the escalating risk of youth suicide in Hong Kong, emphasizing the necessity for focused interventions.
Objectives: :
1. To offer a tailored emotional crisis prevention program in ward E2 aimed at bolstering the emotional resilience of adolescent in-patients 2. To improve the continuity of care by conducting individualized training sessions that involve family participation, extending support beyond discharge into the community.
Methodology: :
Nurses of ward E2 designed the Emotional Crisis Prevention Program, utilizing the Emotional Crisis Prevention Strategy Kit as a training resource for adolescent in-patients. The program was piloted from September 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Adolescent in-patients who exhibit significant emotional dysregulation, impulsiveness, or difficulties in anger control and their caregivers were engaged in four individual sessions with theme of (1) emotional awareness and trigger mapping, (2) introduction and practice of coping strategies, (3) exploration of the self-evacuation method and development of a self-evacuation card, and (4) consolidation with discharge planning. PHQ-9, GAD-7 Questionnaire, and participant satisfaction ratings were used for program evaluation.
Result & Outcome: :
Eighteen adolescents were recruited, with thirteen (72%) completing the program. After the intervention, participants were less anxious and less depressed as evidenced by the drop of number of participants with mild-to-severe anxiety and mild-to-severe depressive symptom. 100% of participants satisfied the program. 77% strongly agreed of better emotional understanding and expressing. 54% strongly agreed of more confident in managing their emotions. 85% of caregivers expressed high satisfaction with the care plan, and over 80% reporting high to very high satisfaction with both discharge planning and the care plan continuity.
The pilot project can improve emotional regulation and crisis-prevention skills among adolescents and their families. Further evaluation involving a larger participant group and extended monitoring is necessary to determine long-term effectiveness and sustainability.
