TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2022//
TI  - Pediatric suicides reported to U.S. poison centers
JO  - Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
A1  - Ross, Jennifer A.
A1  - Woodfin, Molly H.
A1  - Rege, Saumitra V.
A1  - Holstege, Christopher P.
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1556-3650
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2022.2042013
ID  - ref1
ER  -