What Can Trends In Emergency Department Visits Tell Us About Child Mental Health?

Han Choi, Adriana Corredor-Waldron, Janet Currie and Chris Felton
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Han Choi: Yale University
Adriana Corredor-Waldron: North Carolina State University
Janet Currie: Princeton University
Chris Felton: Princeton University

No 2490, Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers from Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University

Abstract: Increases in mental health diagnoses and suicidal behaviors in Emergency Departments are often cited as evidence of an accelerating child mental health crisis. We ask whether trends in ED visits provide an accurate picture of changes in U.S. child mental health. Although reported suicidal behaviors rose 228% from 2006Ð2021, the true rise in mental health disorders is unlikely to exceed the 66% rise in youth suicide observed over the same period.

Pages: 56 pages
Date: 2025-10-01
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