Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts have spiked at U.S. children's hospitals between 2008 and 2015, according to a study published in Pediatrics.
An analysis of emergency and inpatient visits at 31 children's hospitals showed the percentage of total visits for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts have doubled from 0.66 percent in 2008 to 1.82 percent in 2015. The biggest increases were noted among teens 15 to 17 years old and girls. The researchers also noted cases were highest in the spring and fall and lowest in the summer.
The study does not determine what caused the growth in suicide-related hospital visits, but researchers suggest this growing need for mental health services is important for children's hospitals and healthcare systems to note.
Coverage of the study in The Wall Street Journal pulls from related studies that suggest the spike could be caused by a number of factors, including a decreased stigma around reporting mental health issues, causing more kids to seek treatment, or greater exposure to social media and smartphones. Read more here.
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