Adverse mental health effects of COVID‐19 on children and teens

The COVID‐19 pandemic has increased mental health problems, especially among children of color, researchers have found. Suicide, already the second leading cause of death among 12‐ to 17 year olds in the United States, is increasing. As a last resort, youth with mental health problems are brought to emergency departments. However, COVID_19 has added toe ED presentations by youth for stress, anxiety, and depression, with the resulting skyrocketing problem of overwhelmed EDs. Many are inadequately prepared to deal with this demand, and for children, psychiatric providers are even more difficult to come by. Yale Pediatrics’ Marc Auerbach, MD leads a program set out to improve just that: the federally funded Emergency Medical Sercies For Children Innovation and Improvement Center. “Let's all do our part to support these kids and their families when they need it most.”