Suicide-related emergency department visits among children increased 74% from 2016 to 2022, according to a study published Sept. 3 in Annals of Emergency Medicine. The study represented more than 5 million pediatric mental health ED visits in the U.S.
Here are five notes:
- About half of suicide-related ED visits and half of all pediatric mental health ED visits occurred at hospitals with lower pediatric volumes, defined as fewer than 10,000 pediatric ED visits annually.
- Researchers analyzed ED visits among children ages 5 to 17 with a primary mental health diagnosis. Overall, pediatric mental health-related ED visits increased 24% during the study period.
- Suicide or self-injury accounted for 24% of mental health diagnoses, while depressive disorders accounted for 23%.
- At EDs with the lowest pediatric volumes, nearly 30% of children seen for mental health conditions were transferred to other hospitals for definitive care.
- Researchers said EDs need additional training, access to pediatric mental health professionals either on-site or via telehealth and connections to follow-up care. They also recommended universal suicide screening for children at every ED.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
