Emergency departments (EDs) are a key access point to the health care system for youths who attempt
suicide where timely intervention and follow-up care1 can help address associated mental health and
substance abuse problems.2 Data from the 2008 to 2010 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) showed
that an annual average of 22,434 drug-related ED visits involving suicide attempts3 were made by
adolescents aged 12 to 17. Most of these visits (72 percent) had evidence of referral for follow-up care,
and visits involving antidepressants were more likely to result in referral for follow-up care than visits not
involving antidepressants (82 vs. 70 percent) (Figure).
Receipt of Follow-up Care among Emergency
Department (ED) Visits for Drug-Related Suicide
Attempts by Adolescents Aged 12 to 17, by
Antidepressant Involvement*: 2008 to 2010
0
20
40
100
60
80
Percent of ED Visits
Antidepressants No Antidepressants
82
18
30
70
Evidence of Follow-up
No Evidence of Follow-up
*The difference in follow-up between ED visits involving antidepressants
and those not involving antidepressants is signiicant at the .05 level.
Although DAWN data does not provide information on patient medical history, antidepressant
involvement in a drug-related suicide attempt may indicate that the patient has been treated for
depression. Although it is important to maintain
the high follow-up rates for ED visits involving
drug-related suicide attempts, all adolescent suicide
attempts should receive the attention needed to
identify and adequately treat existing mental health
problems. If an adolescent patient is released to
return home from the ED, personnel can provide
information to the family on outpatient services,
crisis lines, and instructions on when a return visit
to the ED may be warranted.4 Suicide prevention
resources for health care providers are available at