Mental health hospitalizations among children in the United States have surged over the course of a decade.
The study, published in the medical journal JAMA, was conducted by researchers at Dartmouth College and analyzed over 4.7 million pediatric hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019.
The study reveals a 25.8% increase in mental health hospitalizations, which cost $1.37 billion.
According to The New York Times, the most significant rise was in suicidal or self-harming behavior, accounting for 64.2% of pediatric mental health hospitalizations in 2019, compared to 30.7% in 2009.
Suicidal behavior also increased as a proportion of overall pediatric hospitalizations, rising to 12.7% in 2019 from 3.5% in 2009.
However, it is important to note that the study did not account for psychiatric hospitals or the years of the coronavirus pandemic, indicating that the figures may be an undercount.
Mental health hospitalizations rise significantly in children between ages 11 and 14
The study found that mental health hospitalizations rose significantly in children between ages 11 and 14 but declined in younger and older age groups during the same 11-year period.
According to recent data, the proportion of mental health hospitalizations involving girls has increased significantly over the past decade.
In 2019, girls accounted for 61.1% of such hospitalizations, up from 51.8% in 2009.
The figures for hospitalizations related to suicidal behavior are particularly concerning, with a rise from 49,285 in 2009 to 129,699 in 2019.
These statistics suggest that a mental health crisis is growing among young people, particularly those in their preteen and early teenage years.
The rise in pediatric mental health hospitalizations is a cause for concern and highlights the need for early intervention and support for children and adolescents who may be struggling with mental health issues.
According to U.S. News, Mary Arakelyan, the research project manager at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, stressed the need to address the mental health needs of the growing population of young people.
This is due to the fact that mental health hospitalizations now represent a larger proportion of all pediatric hospitalizations than they did in 2009.
This highlights the importance of ensuring that inpatient settings are equipped to meet the needs of these vulnerable patients.
Furthermore, Dr. JoAnna Leyenaar, a senior researcher and vice chair of research in the pediatric department at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, explained that hospitalized children with mental health issues often have no other options for care.
In these acute care hospitals, youth and families can receive treatment during a mental health crisis, seek medical attention for self-injury or a suicide attempt, or seek refuge when they feel unsafe at home.
The importance of early intervention and mental health support
Experts suggest that various factors, such as social isolation, economic instability, academic pressure, and bullying, may be contributing to the rise in pediatric mental health hospitalizations.
It's crucial to take a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue, including increased funding for mental health services, better training for healthcare providers, and increased awareness of mental health concerns among parents and caregivers.
The significant increase in pediatric mental health hospitalizations related to suicidal and self-harming behavior is concerning.
The findings of this study underscore the need for increased attention and resources to address mental health concerns in children and adolescents.
According to Forbes, early intervention and support for children and adolescents who may be struggling with mental health issues are crucial to avoid hospitalization.
This can be achieved by providing access to mental health resources such as counseling and therapy in schools and communities, as well as increasing awareness and education about mental health.
Given that many young people are affected by mental health challenges that often begin in high school, parents, mental health professionals, and community members must be aware of changing environmental factors that may exacerbate mental health challenges for teens.
With proper support and care, young people can overcome mental health challenges and lead happy lives.
