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News
More than 1 in 10 at-risk teens attempted suicide within 3 months of an ED visit, a new study finds. Recent suicide attempts, prior mental health hospitalization, self-injury history, and hopelessness all raised the odds — while strong social connections offered protection. Researchers say targeting hopelessness and social connectedness could meaningfully improve care for high-risk youth.
A large study of over 2,000 adolescents who screened positive for suicide risk in the emergency department (ED) found that more than 1 in 10 went on to attempt suicide within just 3 months. Published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, the research pinpoints several key risk factors — and one important protective factor — that clinicians can act on.
The study found that a suicide attempt in the month before the ED visit more than doubled the odds of a subsequent attempt. Prior mental health hospitalization, a history of nonsuicidal self-injury, and feelings of hopelessness also significantly raised risk. On the flip side, stronger social connectedness was linked to meaningfully lower odds of a follow-up attempt.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: These findings give ED clinicians and mental health providers concrete, modifiable targets — reducing hopelessness and building social support — to intervene before at-risk teens attempt suicide again.
