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What Can Trends In Emergency Department Visits Tell Us About Child Mental Health?

Author

Listed:
  • Han Choi

    (Yale University)

  • Adriana Corredor-Waldron

    (North Carolina State University)

  • Janet Currie

    (Princeton University)

  • Chris Felton

    (Princeton University)

Abstract

Increases in mental health diagnoses and suicidal behaviors in Emergency Departments are often cited as evidence of an accelerating child mental health crisis. We ask whether trends in ED visits provide an accurate picture of changes in U.S. child mental health. Although reported suicidal behaviors rose 228% from 2006Ð2021, the true rise in mental health disorders is unlikely to exceed the 66% rise in youth suicide observed over the same period.

Suggested Citation

  • Han Choi & Adriana Corredor-Waldron & Janet Currie & Chris Felton, 2025. "What Can Trends In Emergency Department Visits Tell Us About Child Mental Health?," Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers 2490, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University.
    • Handle: RePEc:cwl:cwldpp:2490
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    File URL: https://cowles.yale.edu/sites/default/files/2026-01/d2490.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health

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