The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on pediatric mental health, with increasing numbers of children and adolescents seeking treatment. However, recent analysis from Epic Research indicates that more girls are seeking mental health care than boys.
Key findings from the research include:
In May 2023, 5.4% of emergency department visits for pediatric females were due to mental health concerns, compared to 2.9% for pediatric males.
Hospital encounters involving mental health reasons were also higher among females, with 7.6% of visits for girls in May 2023, as opposed to 4.2% for boys.
Overall, pediatric outpatient encounters for mental health reasons remained higher in May 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels, with a 3.4% rate in May 2023, a significant increase from the 3.1% rate observed in November 2019.
The researchers noted that adolescent males are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, which suggests that their actual needs might be greater than the study reflects. The analysis did not determine all the factors contributing to the gender disparities in mental health encounters.
These findings suggest that girls may experience different challenges and may be more likely to seek help for mental health concerns, potentially related to issues such as eating disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic and other factors may have exacerbated the demand for pediatric mental health services.
In the face of these trends, there is a growing need for improved access to mental health services for children and adolescents. Healthcare leaders and organizations are emphasizing the importance of integrating behavioral health and primary care to identify and address the mental health crisis in youth.
Efforts are underway to raise public awareness and enhance the coordination between law enforcement, social service agencies, and mental health professionals to ensure that children and adolescents receive appropriate care and support during mental health crises.
As these issues persist, further research and analysis are essential to understand the underlying factors and develop effective strategies to address the growing demand for pediatric mental health services.
