Number of children visiting the ER for suicidal thoughts and attempts has doubled, study says

FOX 35 ORLANDO - According to a new study, the number of children and teens visiting the emergency room for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts has almost doubled between 2007 and 2015.

A research letter from JAMA Pediatrics studied suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts among children and teens in U.S. Emergency Departments between 2007 and 2015.

The study found that the estimated annual emergency room visits for suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts increased from 580,000 to 1.12 million between 2007 and 2015. 43.1% of these visits were reportedly for children aged 5 to younger than 11 years only. 

A previous analysis by NHAMCS also reported a doubling in emergency room visits for suicidal behavior in all age categories between 1993 and 2008. 

The study concluded its research letter by stating that there is a critical need to increase community mental health resources, emergency room physician preparedness, and post–emergency room risk reduction initiatives to decrease the burden of suicide among children

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text 741-741.

This story was written out of Orlando, Florida.

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