@article{ref1,
title="Pediatric suicides reported to U.S. poison centers",
journal="Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)",
year="2022",
author="Ross, Jennifer A. and Woodfin, Molly H. and Rege, Saumitra V. and Holstege, Christopher P.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: As the pediatric mental health crisis worsens, the rate of adolescent suicide-related cases is increasing, including adolescent cases of self-poisoning. <br><br>METHODS: Data from the National Poison Data System was analyzed for trends in rates and frequencies of all pediatric suspected suicides between 2015 and 2020. <br><br>RESULTS: There were 514,350 pediatric suspected suicides analyzed, with the largest increase in rate of suspected suicides occurring in children ages 10 to 12 years (109.3%, p = 0.002). Rates also increased significantly in children ages 13 to 15 years (30.3%, p < 0.001) and 16 to 19 years (18.1%, p < 0.05). The most commonly utilized substances were ibuprofen and acetaminophen, with the largest increase in rate of exposures seen for acetaminophen. <br><br>DISCUSSION: This data demonstrates concerning rises in cases of self-poisoning, suggesting that the pediatric mental health crisis is worsening and extending into younger populations. Pediatric populations have easier access to over-the-counter medications, potentially explaining the likelihood of utilization of these medications in pediatric suspected suicides. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Initiation of appropriate mental health screenings and interventions should be considered in these young age groups in order to prevent further rises in self-poisoning cases and associated morbidity and mortality.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1556-3650",
doi="10.1080/15563650.2022.2042013",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2022.2042013"
}