Depression, Suicide Concerns Up Among Teens During Pandemic
Increase seen in percent of teens screening positive for depression, positive suicide risk screening, and recent suicidal thoughts

WEDNESDAY, July 28, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Depression and suicide concerns increased among adolescents during the pandemic, especially among females, according to a study recently published online in Pediatrics.
Stephanie L. Mayne, Ph.D., from The Possibilities Project Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and colleagues compared the percent of primary care visits among adolescents aged 12 to 21 years with screening for depression, screening positive for depression, and screening positive for suicide risk between June and December 2019 and June and December 2020 (prepandemic versus pandemic periods).
The researchers found that during the pandemic period, there was a decrease in depression screening at primary care visits from 77.6 to 75.8 percent (prevalence ratio, 0.98; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.90 to 1.06). An increase was seen in the percent of adolescents screening positive for depression, from 5.0 to 6.2 percent (prevalence ratio, 1.24; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.15 to 1.34); greater increases were seen among female, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White adolescents. There was an increase noted in positive suicide risk screens from 6.1 to 7.1 percent (prevalence ratio, 1.16; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.26), and female adolescents had a 34 percent increase in the odds of reporting recent suicidal thoughts (prevalence ratio, 1.34; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.18 to 1.52).
"Given these patterns, pediatricians are encouraged to consistently screen adolescents for depression and link identified adolescents to treatment," the authors write.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
- Prevalence of Suicidal Thoughts, Planning, Attempts Described - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- U.S. May Soon See Sharp Drop in Omicron Cases, Experts Say - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Many Who Attempt Suicide Not Getting the Care They Need - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Suicide Attempts Increased Among U.S. Adults From 2008 to 2019 - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Psychiatric Comorbidity May Up Mortality Risks in Those With Chronic Disease - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Ketamine Fast Acting, Effective for Suicidal Ideation - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Suicidal Thoughts May ID Teens With Treatable Psychosocial Problems - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Suicide Mortality Decreased From 2018 to 2020 After Rising Since 2000 - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- 2000 to 2020 Saw Increase in Suicidal Ingestions Among Children - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Suicide-by-Firearm Decedents Less Likely to Have Sought Help - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Ozone Exposure Tied to Adolescent Depressive Symptoms ›
- Physical Activity May Lower Risk for Depression in Adults - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Antidepressants Not Tied to Long-Term Boost in Quality of Life - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›
- Many Young Adults With Depression Not Receiving Treatment - Consumer Health News | HealthDay ›