Factors influencing non-attendance at child psychiatry out-patient appointments.

The clinic attendance of 100 consecutive referrals to child psychiatry is described. Only 47 cases ended in agreed discharge. Different factors were found to be associated with attrition at different stages in the treatment-uptake process. Of referrals offered an appointment, 16% failed to attend at all; this was significantly associated with parents being against referral. Of cases offered a subsequent appointment, 40% dropped out. Continued attendance was associated with a presenting problem of general anxiety and with consultation to the referrer. Dropping out was associated with parents who were separated.