Improving Hospitals’ Support For Teens In Mental Health Crises
Oct 2, 2024
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The podcast dives into the alarming rise in youth suicide rates, emphasizing the urgency for improved support in emergency departments. A revealing study of nearly 16,000 teens highlights the critical need for direct questions about suicidal thoughts during evaluations. Experts discuss the role of pediatricians and caregivers in addressing mental health crises, advocating for better training and follow-up care. The conversation underscores the necessity of community resources and ongoing policy change to effectively support struggling adolescents.
Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 24, necessitating urgent mental health interventions.
Effective screening and follow-up care in emergency departments are vital for identifying and supporting at-risk teens during crises.
Deep dives
The Prevalence of Teen Mental Health Issues
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24, highlighting a critical mental health crisis. Recent data from the CDC reveals that one in five high school students seriously considered suicide in the past year. Emergency departments often encounter youth with self-inflicted injuries, which serve as significant predictors of suicidal ideation. This indicates an urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems within healthcare settings to address these alarming statistics.
Emergency Department Interventions
Research conducted with nearly 16,000 youths presenting at emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries revealed important patterns relating to prior mental health visits. Many of these young patients had previously visited emergency services, with around 38% reporting mental health complaints like anxiety or suicidal thoughts. Effective screening tools, such as direct Ask Suicide screening questions, can identify those at risk during emergency visits. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to normalize these critical inquiries to ensure that they do not miss early signs of mental distress, even in cases presenting with unrelated symptoms.
Follow-up Care and Safety Planning
Upon identifying at-risk youths, it becomes essential for emergency departments to implement robust safety plans and ensure proper follow-up care. Children presenting with suicidal thoughts or actions need comprehensive mental health evaluations to determine appropriate next steps and to safeguard their well-being post-discharge. Coordination with community resources is crucial, especially given the shortage of mental health professionals, as many affected children may require ongoing support after their initial emergency visit. Encouragingly, there is a growing recognition among pediatricians and caregivers about enhancing training and resources to improve the management of youth mental health crises.
This conversation discusses suicide and suicidal ideation in young people. Please take care while listening. If you or a loved one is thinking about suicide or self-harm, text TALK to 741-741 or call 9-8-8 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
In the United States, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 24. One in five high school students seriously considered attempting suicide in 2023, according to the latest data from the CDC.
Doctors, researchers, and mental health professionals have been looking for solutions to support our country’s struggling youth. One place to start is in hospital emergency departments.
How can emergency departments be better equipped to help struggling teens, and potentially save lives?
Guest host Anna Rothschild is joined by Dr. Samaa Kemal, an emergency medicine physician at the Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to discuss her research on the subject.
The following resources are available if you or someone close to you is in need of mental health support:
Call 1-800-662-HELP for the SAMHSA National Helpline; they can provide referral and information services for mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment.