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Number of youth in hospital after suicide attempt tripled over 4-month period under COVID-19
Referrals to Eating Disorders Program increased by 90% in 4-month period, McMaster Children’s Hospital says
McMaster Children's Hospital says it has seen a steady increase of youth in crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
According to the hospital, youth admitted for medical support after a suicide attempt has tripled over a four-month period, compared to last year. The hospital also said that patients are staying in hospital longer due to more serious attempts.
McMaster Children's Hospital says a large number of these youth have reported COVID-related issues such as lack of social interaction, increased conflict at home, and the inability to rely on friends as main contributors.
"We are all coping with multiple stressors brought on by the current pandemic," says Dr. Paulo Pires, psychologist and clinical director of Child & Youth Mental Health Outpatient Services.
"We must be attentive to the unique impact of these stressors on children and youth depending on their stage of development."
The hospital said that over the same time period, youth admitted with substance use disorders has doubled compared to last year, the hospital says. In particular, the use of potentially deadly opioids has increased.
The number of cases admitted to hospital with predominant symptoms of psychosis has doubled, with the large majority related to substance use.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamil...pact-1.5953326
