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