Indicators for Admission

Indicators for Admission Western Australia Children & Adolescents

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Children & Adolescents

Guidelines for inpatient admission for children. 

For children, admission would generally be to a medical ward. 

NB: These are a guide only and do not replace the need for individual clinical judgement. 

Weight

• Children < 75% of expected body weight 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss 

BP

• <80/50 mm 
• Postural hypotension > 20mm  

Heart rate

• < 50 bpm 
• Postural Tachycardia > 20/min  

Temp

• < 35.5°C  

12-lead ECG

• Cardiac arrhythmia 
• QTc > 450msec

Electrolytes

• Hypokalaemia 

Neutrophils

• Neutropaenia 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Uncontrolled eating disorder behaviour 
• Failure to respond to outpatient treatment 
• Severe psychiatric comorbidity

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub.

Indicators for Admission Tasmania Children & Adolescents

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Children & Adolescents

Guidelines for inpatient admission for children. 

For children, admission would generally be to a medical ward. 

NB: These are a guide only and do not replace the need for individual clinical judgement. 

Weight

• Children < 75% of expected body weight 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss 

BP

• <80/50 mm 
• Postural hypotension > 20mm  

Heart rate

• < 50 bpm 
• Postural Tachycardia > 20/min  

Temp

• < 35.5°C  

12-lead ECG

• Cardiac arrhythmia 
• QTc > 450msec

Electrolytes

• Hypokalaemia 

Neutrophils

• Neutropaenia 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Uncontrolled eating disorder behaviour 
• Failure to respond to outpatient treatment 
• Severe psychiatric comorbidity

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub.

Indicators for Admission Northern Territory Adults

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Adults

Weight

• Medical admission: BMI < 12 
• Psychiatric admission: BMI < 14 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• 1kg per week over several weeks or grossly inadequate intake (< 100kcal daily) 
• Continued weight loss despite community treatment 

Systolic BP

• Medical admission: < 80mmHg 
• Psychiatric admission: < 90mmHg 

Postural BP

• Medical admission: > 20mmHg drop with standing  
• Psychiatric admission: > 10mmHg drop with standing 

Heart rate

• Medical admission: ⩽40 bpm or > 120 bpm or postural tachycardia > 20bpm (increase in > 20bpm from lying to standing) 

Temp

• Medical admission: < 35°C or extremities are cold and blue 
• Psychiatric admission: < 35.5°C or extremities are cold and blue 

12-lead ECG

• Medical admission: Any arrhythmia including QTc prolongation, or non-specific ST or T-wave changes including inversion or biphasic waves.  

Blood sugar

• Medical admission: < 2.5mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Sodium

• Medical admission: < 125mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 130mmol/L 

Potassium

• Medical admission: < 3.0mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Magnesium

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

Phosphate

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

eGFR

• Medical admission: <60ml/min/1.73m2  or rapidly dropping (25% drop within a week) 

Albumin

• Medical admission: < 30 g/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

 Liver Enzymes

• Medical admission: Markedly elevated (AST or ALT > 500)  
• Psychiatric admission: Mildly elevated 

Neutrophils

• Medical admission: < 1.0 x 109/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 1.5 x 109/L 

Risk Assessment

• Suicide ideation 
• Active self-harm 
• Moderate to high agitation and distress 

Other (Community Supports)

• Continued weight loss despite community treatment

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub.

Indicators for Admission ACT Children & Adolescents

Weight

• <75% of expected body weight i.e. <75% median Body Mass Index (BMI) (% median BMI = actual BMI ÷ BMI on 50th centile for age x 100) 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss: 1kg per week over several weeks 
• Grossly inadequate nutritional intake (<100kcal daily) 
• Continued weight loss despite community treatment 

BP

• <80/50 mm 
• Postural hypotension > 20mm  

Heart rate

• < 50 bpm 
• Postural Tachycardia > 20/min  

Temp

• < 35.5°C  

12-lead ECG

• Cardiac arrhythmia 
• QTc > 450msec

Electrolytes

• Hypokalaemia 

Neutrophils

• Neutropaenia 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Moderate to High Suicidal Ideation 
• Active Self-Harm 
• Failure to respond to outpatient treatment 
• Co-morbid medical or psychiatric problems that interfere with treatment

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub.

Indicators for Admission NSW Children & Adolescents

Weight

• BMI < 14 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid or consistent weight loss (i.e. > 1kg/week for six or more weeks) 
• Acute dehydration or patient has ceased fluid intake 

BP

• Blood pressure < 80/40mmHg or postural drop > 30mmHg 

Heart rate

• <50 bpm 
• Postural tachycardia > 20bpm increase heart rate 

Temp

• < 35.5°C  

12-lead ECG

• Cardiac arrhythmia including a prolonged QTc interval (>450 msec) 

Blood sugar

• < 3.0mmol/L 

Electrolytes

• Low serum potassium ≤3.0 mmol/L 
• Other significant electrolyte imbalances 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Intensive community-based treatment has proven ineffective  
• Comorbid or pre-existing psychiatric conditions that require hospitalisation  
• Suicidality with an active intent and plan  
• Other special considerations such as diabetes or pregnancy

If you choose to download this document, be mindful you are downloading a static version which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

Indicators for Admission Queensland Children & Adolescents

Weight

• Rapid weight loss (> 1kg/week avg. over 6 weeks) 
• Weight loss of > 15% of pre-morbid weight in last 3-6 months 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Refusal of oral intake 
• Dehydration/refusing fluid intake 
• Ketosis 
• Intractable vomiting

BP

• Orthostatic changes in BP (> 20mmHg drop) 
• Systolic pressure < 80mmHg 

Heart rate

• Resting Pulse < 50 bpm 
• Orthostatic changes in pulse (> 20bpm rise) 

Temp

• Hypothermia (Temp < 35.5°C) 
• Cold/blue extremities 

12-lead ECG

• Presence of any Arrhythmia 
• Prolonged QTc interval > 450msec 

Blood sugar

• Hypoglycaemia  

Electrolytes

• Any electrolyte abnormalities esp. Magnesium (Mg2+), Phosphate (PO43-) and Potassium (K+) 
• Serum potassium <3.2mmol/L 
• Serum Chloride <88mmol/L 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Severe family stress and strain and/or behaviours relating to eating disorder impacting on child/adolescent and family functioning 
• Suicidality/self-harm that is unable to be managed in outpatient setting 
• Syncope 
• Oesophageal tears 
• Hematemesis (blood in vomit)

If you choose to download this document, be mindful you are downloading a static version which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

Indicators for Admission Northern Territory Children & Adolescents

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Children & Adolescents

Guidelines for inpatient admission for children. 

For children, admission would generally be to a medical ward. 

NB: These are a guide only and do not replace the need for individual clinical judgement. 

Weight

• Children < 75% of expected body weight 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss 

BP

• <80/50 mm 
• Postural hypotension > 20mm  

Heart rate

• < 50 bpm 
• Postural Tachycardia > 20/min  

Temp

• < 35.5°C  

12-lead ECG

• Cardiac arrhythmia 
• QTc > 450msec

Electrolytes

• Hypokalaemia 

Neutrophils

• Neutropaenia 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Uncontrolled eating disorder behaviour 
• Failure to respond to outpatient treatment 
• Severe psychiatric comorbidity

If you choose to download this document, be mindful you are downloading a static version which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

Indicators for Admission South Australia Children & Adolescents

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Children & Adolescents

Guidelines for inpatient admission for children. 

For children, admission would generally be to a medical ward. 

NB: These are a guide only and do not replace the need for individual clinical judgement. 

Weight

• Children < 75% of expected body weight 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss 

BP

• <80/50 mm 
• Postural hypotension > 20mm  

Heart rate

• < 50 bpm 
• Postural Tachycardia > 20/min  

Temp

• < 35.5°C  

12-lead ECG

• Cardiac arrhythmia 
• QTc > 450msec

Electrolytes

• Hypokalaemia 

Neutrophils

• Neutropaenia 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Uncontrolled eating disorder behaviour 
• Failure to respond to outpatient treatment 
• Severe psychiatric comorbidity

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub.

Indicators for Admission Victoria Children & Adolescents

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Children & Adolescents

Guidelines for inpatient admission for children. 

For children, admission would generally be to a medical ward. 

NB: These are a guide only and do not replace the need for individual clinical judgement. 

Weight

• Children < 75% of expected body weight 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss 

BP

• <80/50 mm 
• Postural hypotension > 20mm  

Heart rate

• < 50 bpm 
• Postural Tachycardia > 20/min  

Temp

• < 35.5°C  

12-lead ECG

• Cardiac arrhythmia 
• QTc > 450msec

Electrolytes

• Hypokalaemia 

Neutrophils

• Neutropaenia 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Uncontrolled eating disorder behaviour 
• Failure to respond to outpatient treatment 
• Severe psychiatric comorbidity

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub.

RANZCP Guidelines for Children & Adolescents

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

Guidelines for inpatient admission for children. 

For children, admission would generally be to a medical ward. 

NB: These are a guide only and do not replace the need for individual clinical judgement. 

Weight

• Children < 75% of expected body weight 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss 

BP

• <80/50 mm 
• Postural hypotension > 20mm  

Heart rate

• < 50 bpm 
• Postural Tachycardia > 20/min  

Temp

• < 35.5°C  

12-lead ECG

• Cardiac arrhythmia 
• QTc > 450msec

Electrolytes

• Hypokalaemia 

Neutrophils

• Neutropaenia 

Other (Risk Assessment, Community Supports)

• Uncontrolled eating disorder behaviour 
• Failure to respond to outpatient treatment 
• Severe psychiatric comorbidity

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub.

Indicators for Admission Tasmania Adults

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Adults

Weight

• Medical admission: BMI < 12 
• Psychiatric admission: BMI < 14 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• 1kg per week over several weeks or grossly inadequate intake (< 100kcal daily) 
• Continued weight loss despite community treatment 

Systolic BP

• Medical admission: < 80mmHg 
• Psychiatric admission: < 90mmHg 

Postural BP

• Medical admission: > 20mmHg drop with standing  
• Psychiatric admission: > 10mmHg drop with standing 

Heart rate

• Medical admission: ⩽40 bpm or > 120 bpm or postural tachycardia > 20bpm (increase in > 20bpm from lying to standing) 

Temp

• Medical admission: < 35°C or extremities are cold and blue 
• Psychiatric admission: < 35.5°C or extremities are cold and blue 

12-lead ECG

• Medical admission: Any arrhythmia including QTc prolongation, or non-specific ST or T-wave changes including inversion or biphasic waves.  

Blood sugar

• Medical admission: < 2.5mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Sodium

• Medical admission: < 125mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 130mmol/L 

Potassium

• Medical admission: < 3.0mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Magnesium

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

Phosphate

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

eGFR

• Medical admission: <60ml/min/1.73m2  or rapidly dropping (25% drop within a week) 

Albumin

• Medical admission: < 30 g/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

 Liver Enzymes

• Medical admission: Markedly elevated (AST or ALT > 500)  
• Psychiatric admission: Mildly elevated 

Neutrophils

• Medical admission: < 1.0 x 109/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 1.5 x 109/L 

Risk Assessment

• Suicide ideation 
• Active self-harm 
• Moderate to high agitation and distress 

Other (Community Supports)

• Continued weight loss despite community treatment

If you choose to download this document, be mindful you are downloading a static version which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

Indicators for Admission Queensland Adults

Weight

• Medical admission: BMI < 12
• Psychiatric admission: BMI 12-14

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss (i.e. 1kg/week over several weeks) 
• Grossly inadequate nutritional/fluid intake (<1000kCal/4MJ daily) 
• Unmanageable compensatory behaviour (vomiting, exercise, laxatives) 

Systolic BP

• Medical admission: < 80mmHg  
• Psychiatric admission: < 90mmHg

Heart rate

• Medical Admission ⩽40 bpm or > 120 bpm or postural tachycardia > 20bpm (increase in > 20bpm from lying to standing) 
• Psychiatric admission: < 50

Temp

• Medical admission: < 35.5°C
• Psychiatric admission: < 36°C

12-lead ECG

• Medical admission: Any arrhythmia including QTc prolongation, or non-specific ST or T-wave changes including inversion or biphasic waves. 

Blood sugar

• Medical admission: Below normal range (< 3.0mmol/L) 

Sodium

• Medical admission: < 125mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 130mmol/L 

Potassium

• Medical admission: < 3.5mmol/L 

Magnesium

• Medical admission:  < 0.7mmol/L 

Phosphate

• Medical admission: < 0.75 mmol/L 

eGFR

• Medical admission: < 60ml/min/1.73m2 or rapidly dropping (25% drop within a week) 

Albumin

• Medical admission: < 30 g/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 35 g/L 

Liver Enzymes

• Medical admission: Markedly elevated (AST or ALT > 500) 

Neutrophils

• Medical admission: < 1.0 x 109/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 2.0 x 109/L 

Other (Community Supports)

• Not responding to outpatient treatment

If you choose to download this document, be mindful you are downloading a static version which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

RANZCP Guidelines for Adults

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

Weight

• Medical admission: BMI < 12 
• Psychiatric admission: BMI < 14 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• 1kg per week over several weeks or grossly inadequate intake (< 100kcal daily) 
• Continued weight loss despite community treatment 

Systolic BP

• Medical admission: < 80mmHg 
• Psychiatric admission: < 90mmHg 

Postural BP

• Medical admission: > 20mmHg drop with standing  
• Psychiatric admission: > 10mmHg drop with standing 

Heart rate

• Medical admission: ⩽40 bpm or > 120 bpm or postural tachycardia > 20bpm (increase in > 20bpm from lying to standing) 

Temp

• Medical admission: < 35°C or extremities are cold and blue 
• Psychiatric admission: < 35.5°C or extremities are cold and blue 

12-lead ECG

• Medical admission: Any arrhythmia including QTc prolongation, or non-specific ST or T-wave changes including inversion or biphasic waves.  

Blood sugar

• Medical admission: < 2.5mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Sodium

• Medical admission: < 125mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 130mmol/L 

Potassium

• Medical admission: < 3.0mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Magnesium

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

Phosphate

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

eGFR

• Medical admission: <60ml/min/1.73m2  or rapidly dropping (25% drop within a week) 

Albumin

• Medical admission: < 30 g/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

 Liver Enzymes

• Medical admission: Markedly elevated (AST or ALT > 500)  
• Psychiatric admission: Mildly elevated 

Neutrophils

• Medical admission: < 1.0 x 109/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 1.5 x 109/L 

Risk Assessment

• Suicide ideation 
• Active self-harm 
• Moderate to high agitation and distress 

Other (Community Supports)

• Continued weight loss despite community treatment

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

Indicators for Admission ACT Adults

Indicators for Admission based on Re-feeding Risk 

Weight

• Medical admission: BMI < 14  
• Psychiatric admission: BMI < 16 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Little or no nutritional intake for > 5 days (< 500kcal or 50g carbohydrate/d) & underweight (BMI <18.5) 

Systolic BP

• Medical admission: < 80mmHg  
• Psychiatric admission: < 90mmHg

Postural BP

• Medical admission: > 20mmHg drop with standing 
• Psychiatric admission: > 10mmHg drop with standing 

Heart rate

• Extreme risk: < 40bpm or > 110bpm or significant postural tachycardia (increase in more than 10bpm on standing) 

Temp

• High risk: < 35.5°C or extremities are cold and blue 
• Extreme risk: < 35°C or extremities are cold and blue 

12-lead ECG

• Extreme risk: Any arrhythmia including QTc prolongation, or non-specific ST or T-wave changes including inversion or biphasic waves. 

Blood sugar

• High risk: < 3.5mmol/L

Sodium

• High risk: < 130 mmol/L 
• Extreme risk: < 125mmol/L 

Potassium

• High risk: < 3.5 mmol/L 
• Extreme risk: < 3.0mmol/L 

Magnesium

• High risk: 0.7 – 1.0mmol/L 
• Extreme risk: < 0.7mmol/L

Phosphate

• High risk: 0.8 mmol/L 
• Extreme risk: < 0.8 mmol/L

Albumin

• High risk: < 35 g/L 
• Extreme risk: < 30 g/L 

Liver Enzymes

• High risk: Mildly elevated
• Extreme risk: Markedly elevated (AST or ALT > 500) 

Neutrophils

• High risk: < 2.0 x 109/L 
• Extreme risk: < 1.0 x 109/L 

Severity of Eating Disorder Symptoms

• BN without control of vomiting 
• Vomiting more than 4 times a day 
• BN with hypokalaemia 
• Excessive daily laxative use 

Risk Assessment

• Suicide ideation 
• Active self-harm 
• Moderate to high agitation and distress 
• Other psychiatric condition requiring hospitalisation

Other (Community Supports)

• Not responding to outpatient treatment 
• Aversive family relationships or severe family stress or strain

If you choose to download these documents, be mindful you are downloading static versions which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

Indicators for Admission South Australian Adults

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Adults

Weight

• Medical admission: BMI < 12 
• Psychiatric admission: BMI < 14 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• 1kg per week over several weeks or grossly inadequate intake (< 100kcal daily) 
• Continued weight loss despite community treatment 

Systolic BP

• Medical admission: < 80mmHg 
• Psychiatric admission: < 90mmHg 

Postural BP

• Medical admission: > 20mmHg drop with standing  
• Psychiatric admission: > 10mmHg drop with standing 

Heart rate

• Medical admission: ⩽40 bpm or > 120 bpm or postural tachycardia > 20bpm (increase in > 20bpm from lying to standing) 

Temp

• Medical admission: < 35°C or extremities are cold and blue 
• Psychiatric admission: < 35.5°C or extremities are cold and blue 

12-lead ECG

• Medical admission: Any arrhythmia including QTc prolongation, or non-specific ST or T-wave changes including inversion or biphasic waves.  

Blood sugar

• Medical admission: < 2.5mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Sodium

• Medical admission: < 125mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 130mmol/L 

Potassium

• Medical admission: < 3.0mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Magnesium

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

Phosphate

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

eGFR

• Medical admission: <60ml/min/1.73m2  or rapidly dropping (25% drop within a week) 

Albumin

• Medical admission: < 30 g/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

 Liver Enzymes

• Medical admission: Markedly elevated (AST or ALT > 500)  
• Psychiatric admission: Mildly elevated 

Neutrophils

• Medical admission: < 1.0 x 109/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 1.5 x 109/L 

Risk Assessment

• Suicide ideation 
• Active self-harm 
• Moderate to high agitation and distress 

Other (Community Supports)

• Continued weight loss despite community treatment

If you choose to download this document, be mindful you are downloading a static version which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

Indicators for Admission Victoria Adults

Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines apply to all states and territories.

RANZCP Guidelines for Adults

Weight

• Medical admission: BMI < 12 
• Psychiatric admission: BMI < 14 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• 1kg per week over several weeks or grossly inadequate intake (< 100kcal daily) 
• Continued weight loss despite community treatment 

Systolic BP

• Medical admission: < 80mmHg 
• Psychiatric admission: < 90mmHg 

Postural BP

• Medical admission: > 20mmHg drop with standing  
• Psychiatric admission: > 10mmHg drop with standing 

Heart rate

• Medical admission: ⩽40 bpm or > 120 bpm or postural tachycardia > 20bpm (increase in > 20bpm from lying to standing) 

Temp

• Medical admission: < 35°C or extremities are cold and blue 
• Psychiatric admission: < 35.5°C or extremities are cold and blue 

12-lead ECG

• Medical admission: Any arrhythmia including QTc prolongation, or non-specific ST or T-wave changes including inversion or biphasic waves.  

Blood sugar

• Medical admission: < 2.5mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Sodium

• Medical admission: < 125mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 130mmol/L 

Potassium

• Medical admission: < 3.0mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

Magnesium

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

Phosphate

• Medical admission: Below normal range 

eGFR

• Medical admission: <60ml/min/1.73m2  or rapidly dropping (25% drop within a week) 

Albumin

• Medical admission: < 30 g/L 
• Psychiatric admission: Below normal range 

 Liver Enzymes

• Medical admission: Markedly elevated (AST or ALT > 500)  
• Psychiatric admission: Mildly elevated 

Neutrophils

• Medical admission: < 1.0 x 109/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 1.5 x 109/L 

Risk Assessment

• Suicide ideation 
• Active self-harm 
• Moderate to high agitation and distress 

Other (Community Supports)

• Continued weight loss despite community treatment

If you choose to download this document, be mindful you are downloading a static version which will not be updated in response to any future changes or modifications. You will always be able to access the most up to date publicly available version of the below document through the GP Hub. 

Indicators for Admission NSW Adults

Weight

• Medical admission: BMI < 14  
• Psychiatric admission: BMI < 16 

Weight loss/Oral intake 

NB: weight loss at any weight is risky 

• Rapid weight loss (i.e. 1kg/week over several weeks) 
• Grossly inadequate intake (<1000kCal daily)
• Continued weight loss despite adequate community treatment

Systolic BP

• Medical admission: < 80mmHg  

• Psychiatric admission: < 90mmHg

Postural BP

• Medical admission: > 20mmHg drop with standing 
• Psychiatric admission: > 10mmHg drop with standing 

Heart rate

• Medical admission: < 40bpm or > 110bpm or significant postural tachycardia (increase in more than 10bpm on standing) 

Temp

• Medical admission: < 35°C or extremities are cold and blue 
• Psychiatric admission: < 35.5°C or extremities are cold and blue 

12-lead ECG

• Medical admission: Any arrhythmia including QTc prolongation, or non-specific ST or T-wave changes including inversion or biphasic waves. 

Blood sugar

• Medical admission: < 2.5mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 3.5mmol/L

Sodium

• Medical admission: < 125mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 130mmol/L 

Potassium

• Medical admission: < 3.0mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 3.5mmol/L

Magnesium

• Medical admission:  < 0.7mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: 0.7 – 1.0mmol/L

Phosphate

• Medical admission: < 0.8 mmol/L 
• Psychiatric admission: 0.8 mmol/L 

Albumin

• Medical admission: < 30 g/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 35 g/L 

 Liver Enzymes

• Medical admission: Markedly elevated (AST or ALT > 500) 
• Psychiatric admission: Mildly elevated

Neutrophils

• Medical admission: < 1.0 x 109/L 
• Psychiatric admission: < 2.0 x 109/L 

Severity of Eating Disorder Symptoms

• BN without control of vomiting 
• Vomiting more than 4 times a day 
• BN with hypokalaemia 
• Excessive daily laxative use 

Risk Assessment

• Suicide ideation 
• Active self-harm 
• Moderate to high agitation and distress 
• Other psychiatric condition requiring hospitalisation

Other (Community Supports)

• Not responding to outpatient treatment 
• Aversive family relationships or severe family stress or strain

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