Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

June 9, 2020

The Impact of COVID-19 on Suicidal Ideation and Alcohol Presentations to Emergency Departments in a Large Healthcare System

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  • A retrospective multicenter study in 20 emergency departments in the Midwest found that suicidal ideation as a percentage of behavioral health visits decreased from 33% to 18%, but the actual suicide rate during the study period could not be ascertained. Alcohol encounters as a percentage of behavioral health visits increased from 28% to 33%. 

Smalley et al. (May 18, 2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Suicidal Ideation and Alcohol Presentations to Emergency Departments in a Large Healthcare System. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2020.05.093