Absconding From Nonforensic Psychiatric Inpatient Settings: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors and Associated Patient Characteristics

Absconding from psychiatric inpatient units remains a significant challenge in mental health services and is associated with adverse outcomes, including interruption of treatment, relapse, self-harm, and disruption of continuity of care. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize the main risk factors associated with absconding among nonforensic psychiatric inpatients and to explore how these findings may inform clinical risk assessment and management. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, covering studies published from database inception to December 31, 2025. Studies involving adult patients in nonforensic psychiatric inpatient settings were included if they examined risk factors or patient characteristics associated with absconding. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Younger age was the most consistently reported risk factor across all studies. Other commonly identified factors included schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, involuntary admission status, and the early phase of admission, particularly within the first two weeks. Male sex, environmental influences, poor insight, irritability, and previous absconding were also associated with increased risk. The findings suggest that absconding is a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by demographic, clinical, and environmental variables. Early identification of high-risk patients and implementation of targeted interventions may improve prevention strategies and patient safety in psychiatric inpatient settings.