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Original Research
J Clin Psychiatry
January 2026
Factors Associated With Revisiting the Emergency Department due to Suicidal Behavior in Children and Adolescents
Full Article
Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry.
Clinical Summary
A substantial share of youths who present to the emergency department for suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, or nonsuicidal self-injury return within months, often while risk remains high in the early postdischarge period. Identifying which children and adolescents are most likely to come back can help clinicians target follow-up, safety planning, and family-based intervention after the index visit.
FAQ
How often did children and adolescents return to the emergency department after a visit for suicidal behavior?
8 questions
Key Takeaways
Revisit risk was front-loaded: 29 events had occurred by 15 days, 43 by 1 month, and 69 by 2 months, suggesting that follow-up intensity may need to be greatest in the first weeks after discharge.
6 takeaways
Clinical Guide
How should clinicians identify children and adolescents seen in the ED for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors who are most likely to return within 6 months?
7 steps