Citation

Burke TA, Bettis AH, Kudinova A, Thomas SA, Nesi J, Erguder L, MacPherson HA, Thompson E, Ammerman BA, Wolff JC. Child Psychiatry Hum. Dev. 2022; 53(6): 1383-1390.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10578-021-01225-3

PMID

34357502

PMCID

PMC8343358

Abstract

This study examined the presence and correlates of COVID-specific suicidal thoughts and behaviors (i.e., thoughts of or engaging in intentional COVID-19 exposure with associated suicidal intent) among psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. Adolescents (N = 143) completed study measures as part of the standard intake process between March 13th and August 14th, 2020. Participants answered questionnaires assessing COVID-specific passive and active suicidal ideation (SI) and suicidal behavior, as well as COVID-related stressors and emotions, and public health guidance compliance.

FINDINGS highlights that COVID-specific SI is common in high-risk youth. COVID-specific SI was associated with COVID-19-related negative emotions, elevated stress, and decreased public health guidance compliance.

RESULTS suggest that COVID-specific suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and risk correlates, should be assessed within high-risk populations to facilitate prevention of risky behavior associated with intentional COVID-19 exposure.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adolescent; COVID-19; Risk-Taking; Adolescents; Suicidal Ideation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Suicidal ideation and behavior; Adolescent, Hospitalized