Mental illness in Northern Ireland. A comparison with Scotland and England.

First and all admissions to psychiatric hospitals and units during 1981 were obtained from the DHSS in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Age and sex standardized rates were calculated for each country. Possible reasons for observed rate differences are discussed. Whilst overall high rates of admissions in Northern Ireland are most likely attributable to provision and use of beds, these factors may not entirely account for high rates of admissions for neurotic disorder, particularly among males.