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Contribution title Trends in Suicidal Behavior Among Pediatric Hospital Emergency Department Patients Across Pre-, During, and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Periods
Contribution code D3.129
Authors
  1. Marianna Siganou Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital Presenter
  2. Christina Katsioni Presenter
  3. Eliza Chyta "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  4. Antonia Tsakali
  5. Georgios Giannakopoulos National and KapodistrianUniversity of Athens,
  6. Katerina Papanikolaou National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T40 - Suicide
Abstract Aims

This study investigates changes in the prevalence and characteristics of suicidal behavior among children and adolescents presenting to the Psychiatric Emergency Department (PED) of "Aghia Sophia" Children’s Hospital in Athens, Greece, before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to analyze the pandemic's impact on suicidal ideation, self-harm, and attempts, providing actionable insights for mental health interventions.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2,796 PED cases between March 2018 and February 2024. Key data points included age, gender, type of suicidal behavior (ideation, self-harm, or attempt), method of attempt (e.g., drug overdose, self-inflicted injuries), and treatment outcomes (hospital admission vs. community-based follow-up). Study periods were divided into pre-pandemic (03/2018-02/2020), pandemic (03/2020-02/2022), and post-pandemic (03/2022-02/2024) phases for comparative analysis.

Results and Conclusions

Suicidal behavior accounted for 12% (n=112) of total PED visits pre-pandemic, increasing to 25% (n=214) during the pandemic and remained mostly the same 24% (n=238) post-pandemic. Female patients comprised 77% (n=436) of cases, with an average age of 14 years. Self-harm being the most common presentation, constituted 39% (n=44) and 39% (n=93) of all cases, pre- and post- pandemic respectively. During the pandemic an increase of 18% of suicide attempt was noted compared to pre-pandemic period. Drug overdoses were the leading method 74% (n=145) of suicide attempt, followed by fall from height. Amidst the pandemic, the proportion of cases requiring hospitalization rose by 17% compared to pre-pandemic levels but declined post-pandemic as referrals to community services increased. No seasonal variation was observed. These findings demonstrate a sustained and significant increase in suicidality among youth, particularly adolescent females, underscoring the urgent need for targeted mental health resources and prevention strategies.