Focus on the state of mental health in the United States is arguably higher than ever. A recent Evernorth analysis of commercially-insured customer data shows there is reason for concern – particularly when it comes to the health and safety of children and adolescents. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts exceed pre-pandemic levels across all age groups, but the largest increase occurred in those aged 17 and under. Our data shows a 14% increase in suicide-related diagnoses in children and adolescents, accounting for 35% of all customers with these diagnoses.
Our analysis calls attention to this important public health issue with the goal of raising awareness for all health care stakeholders, including families, plan sponsors, providers, policymakers, and communities. Independently and collectively, we must work to prevent, identify and protect children and adolescents from crisis situations. Understanding which youth are at higher risk can aid in early detection and interventions.
The sharpest rise of suicidal signs and behaviors occurred in children and adolescents
Compared to other age groups, children and adolescents had seven times the rate of increase in suicide ideation (21% vs. 3%) and six times the rate of increase in suicide attempts (26% vs. an average of 4%) from 2020 to 2021. In addition, they were the only age group that showed a rise in suicide attempts from 2019 to 2020, with a cumulative jump of 39% from 2019 to 2021, compared to a 2% increase among those aged 18-25 and 3% increase among those aged 26 and older. Typically differences are seen when comparing the young adult and adult populations, but this latest analysis shows similar trends among these age groups, and a stark difference in those age 17 and under.
*Suicidal thoughts or actions have been noted as potential side effects for certain Asthma medications.
**This higher prevalence is in line with research that suggests a potential link between asthma and suicidal ideation and attempts.
This comparative study examined the medical, behavioral and pharmacy claims data for the calendar years of 2019 to 2021 for approximately 9 million customers with either a large commercial health insurance plan or individual or family health insurance plan. The population of interest included 31,698 unique customers, including 27,729 diagnosed with suicidal ideation and 3,969 customers diagnosed with suicide attempt.
The age group assessed runs from age 5 to 17.