COVID-19 Pandemic Led to Increase in Suicide Attempts by Kids, Teens, Study Shows

Dr. Christopher Holstege, medical director of the Blue Ridge Poison Center at UVA Health, said a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to address issues that may lead youth to attempt suicide. (Photo by Sanjay Suchak, University Communications)

“This significant increase in suicide attempts during the pandemic surprised us,” said Dr. Christopher Holstege, medical director of the Blue Ridge Poison Center at UVA Health and chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. “We are alarmed at the dramatic increase in suicide attempts in such a young population, which continues to escalate, according to our data.”

The two most common substances involved in the reported suicide attempts were acetaminophen and ibuprofen, best known by their trade names of Tylenol and Advil, respectively. The two are commonly available, over-the-counter pain relievers. The other most used substances were two antidepressant medications – sertraline and fluoxetine, generic names for the ingredients in Zoloft and Prozac – along with diphenhydramine, an antihistamine known by the trade name Benadryl, available over the counter and frequently used to treat allergies.

“These findings suggest that the mental health of children and adolescents might still be affected by the pandemic, raising concerns about long-term consequences, especially given that previous attempted suicide has been found to be the strongest predictor of subsequent death by suicide,” the researchers write in a scientific paper outlining the findings.

Based on the data, the researchers recommend a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention through partnerships among families, teachers, mental health professionals and public health leaders.

Given how frequently over-the-counter medications are used in suicide attempts, the researchers also suggest considering safety measures such as heightened public education initiatives on the safe storage of over-the-counter medications and the availability of assistance in case of an overdose through America’s poison centers by calling 800-222-1222. They also recommend additional promotion of the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

“As a society, we need to come together in a multi-disciplinary manner and strategize on how to best mitigate this rapidly escalating threat to our youth,” Holstege said.

Last month, UVA Children’s and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital announced plans to create a new outpatient clinic in Albemarle County to meet the growing need for pediatric neurodevelopmental and behavioral health care in Central Virginia.

Findings Published

The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The research team included Rita Farah, Saumitra V. Rege, Ryan J. Cole and Holstege.