Emergency department visits for eight behavioral health conditions increased among children ages 10-17 during the fall and spring school semesters, CDC research published Sept. 22 found.
The number of weekly emergency department visits for behavioral health conditions during the fall and spring semesters were sometimes twice as high as weekly rates during the summer months, the CDC found. The study examined emergency department visit rates for children aged 5-17 from January 2018 to June 2023.
Among children aged 5-9, the number and proportion of visits increased for five mental and behavioral health conditions during the school year, the study found.
Emergency department visits for behavioral health conditions dipped slightly in the last week of November and December each year, when schools are typically closed.
Preparing for increases in mental health issues before heading back to school, and prioritizing systemic changes that promote children's health, like physical activity, nutrition, sleep, community support and inclusive school environments, could improve children's mental health, the CDC advised.
Read the full study here.