Emergency Department Visits for Suspected Suicide Attempts Decline Among Adolescents but Rise in Older Adults, CDC Reports

A new MMWR report says emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts in the United States from 2021–2025 were highest among adolescents aged 12–17 years, particularly females, even as overall visit proportions declined 7% over the study period.

The steepest decreases occurred among adolescents and females while visit proportions increased among adults aged ≥26 years, including those aged 55–64 and ≥65 years. Despite recent declines, adolescents remain disproportionately represented in ED visits.

The authors note that “timely monitoring… and a comprehensive approach… are critical for saving lives,” underscoring the importance of surveillance and prevention efforts across all age groups. Read the MMWR here.