Suspected suicide attempts by self-poisoning among persons aged 10-19 years during the COVID-19 pandemic: United States, 2020-2022

Summary What is already known about this topic? In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death among persons aged 10–14 years and the third leading cause among those aged 15–24 years. What is added by this report? Analysis of National Poison Data System data found that the rate of suspected suicide attempts by self-poisoning among persons aged 10–19 years increased 30.0% in 2021 as compared with prepandemic rates (2019), with a 73.0% increase among children aged 10–12 years, 48.8% among adolescents aged 13–15 years, and 36.8% among females. What are the implications for public health practice? A comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention measures focusing on children and adolescents and involving partnerships among families, school teachers, mental health professionals, and public health leadership is needed.