Citation

Bruns N, Willemsen L, Stang A, Kowall B, Holtkamp K, Kamp O, Dudda M, Hey F, Hoffmann F, Blankenburg J, Eifinger F, Fuchs H, Haase R, Baier J, Andrée C, Heldmann M, Maldera V, Potratz J, Kurz D, Mand N, Doerfel C, Rothoeft T, Schultz M, Ohlert M, Silkenbäumer K, Boesing T, Indraswari F, Niemann F, Jahn P, Merker M, Braun N, Brevis Nunez F, Engler M, Heimann K, Brasche M, Wolf G, Freymann H, Dercks M, Hoppenz M, Felderhoff-Muser U, Dohna-Schwake C. Pediatrics 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

10.1542/peds.2021-055973

PMID

35534988

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The worldwide SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic challenges adolescents' mental health. The aim of this study was to compare the number of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions after suicide attempts during the first German lockdown and one year later during a second, prolonged lockdown with pre-pandemic years.

METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted among 27 German PICUs. Cases <18 years admitted to the PICU due to accidents or injuries between March 16th and May 31st of 2017-2021 were identified based on ICD-10 codes (German modification) and patient data entered into a database. This study is a subset analysis on suicide attempts in adolescents aged 12-17.9 years. The Federal Statistics Office was queried for data on fatal suicides, which were available only for 2020 in adolescents aged 10-17.9 years.

RESULTS: Total admissions and suicide attempts declined during the first lockdown in 2020 (standardized morbidity ratio (SMR) 0.74 (95% CI 0.58-0.92) and 0.69 (0.43-1.04), respectively) and increased in 2021 (2.14 (SMR 1.86-2.45) and 2.84 (2.29-3.49), respectively). Fatal suicide rates remained stable between 2017-2019 and 2020 (1.57 v. 1.48/100,000 adolescent years) with monthly numbers showing no clear trend during the course of 2020.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a strong increase in serious suicide attempts among adolescents during the course of the pandemic in Germany. More research is needed to understand the relation between pandemic prevention measures and suicidal ideation to help implement mental health support for adolescents.

Language: en