Identifying Key Risk Factors for Subsequent Suicide Attempts Among Youth in Emergency Departments: Insights from the PEDSCREEN Study

Highlight

This study revealed that among adolescents aged 12 to 17 screened positive for suicide risk in emergency departments (EDs), prior suicide attempts, history of mental health hospitalization, nonsuicidal self-injury, and feelings of hopelessness significantly increase the risk of a subsequent suicide attempt within three months. Moreover, these factors also predict mental health-related ED revisits or hospitalizations in the same timeframe. Screening tools such as the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) provide critical initial identification, but comprehensive assessment should incorporate these additional risk factors to enhance post-ED interventions.

Study Background