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Study Finds Monthly Fluctuations in Adolescent Male Visits to ED for Drug-Related Suicide Attempts

A new study examining monthly and seasonal trends in the number of emergency department (ED) visits involving drug related suicide attempts reveals considerable fluctuations among adolescent males. The rate for the general population varies little.

The study conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) showed that only 2.5% of drug-related suicide attempt ED visits by males aged 12 to 17 occur in February as opposed to 18.9% reported in December.

December also marked the highest level of ED drug-related suicide attempt visits by men aged 50 and older (12.9%). The lowest level of visits for males in this age group was in October (5.5%).  

By comparison, the study showed that the rate of visits remained relatively constant for the rest of the population including males aged 18 to 49. 

“Emergency departments present an opportunity to intervene in a way that can help prevent future attempts," says SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “While the study does not identify the factors that lead to fluctuations in drug-related suicide attempts, it does point to the need for additional research in the factors that play a role in suicidality, particularly among both younger and older males.

The study found that from 2004 to 2008, on average, each year EDs dealt with 178,423 visits for drug-related suicide attempts by patients 12 or older. Overall the number of visits reported by emergency departments ranged from12,656 in February (7.1%) to 16, 812 visits in September (9.4%).

— Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration