Psychiatric emergency in the management of adolescents with suicidal behavior

Abstract

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 19. Suicide attempts (SA) are more common in girls, but deaths are more common in boys, as they typically use more aggressive methods. During the pandemic, the demand for emergency services increased by 50.6% (girls) and 3.7% (boys) in the 12-17 age group 1,2. Upon first contact with the emergency room, the main objective will be to identify risks requiring immediate medical action, but it is important to emphasize the importance of starting care from this setting. The emergency department is the gateway to the possibility of a longitudinal care network. Collecting information from the patient and family is essential to identify factors in suicidal behavior. 1,2 . In Brazil, on average, 30% of the adolescent population (10-19 years old) suffers from mental disorders, among which the most prevalent are anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, and substance use disorders. Other factors that trigger suicidal behavior in adolescents can also be highlighted, such as: physical and emotional abuse, acute stress, the harmful impact of social media, grief, developmental delays, issues of belonging to the LGBTQIAPN+ group, sheltering, adoption, and harmful coexistence.