Government Document

Mental health-related emergency department visits among children aged

Leeb, R.T., Bitsko, R.H., Radhakrishnan, L., Martinez, P., Njai, R., & Holland, K.M.

Year: 2021 Source: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (2020). 69, 1675–1680. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6945a3external icon. SIEC No: 20210873

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Emergency departments (EDs) are often the first point of care for children’s mental health emergencies. U.S. ED visits for persons of all ages declined during the early COVID-19 pandemic (March–April 2020).

What is added by this report?

Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental health–related ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Monitoring indicators of children’s mental health, promoting coping and resilience, and expanding access to services to support children’s mental health are critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.