Suicide attempts among children and adolescents in six European countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Suicidal behavior among young people appears to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but detailed knowledge about the profiles of those affected and the pandemic’s specific impact is lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze the development of suicide attempts among children and adolescents before and during the pandemic in six European countries – and to investigate how these changes correlated with the course of the pandemic and political measures such as lockdowns.

The analysis was based on data from children and adolescents under 18 years old who had contact with psychiatric emergency services following a suicide attempt during the period 2018 to 2021. The study examined patient profiles (i.e., age, gender, method, and psychiatric history), trends in suicide attempts, and how these correlated with pandemic data such as COVID-19-related death rates and contact tracing levels.

A total of 2,833 individuals participated in the study (mean age 15.1 years; female-to-male ratio 5.4:1). A delayed increase in suicidal behavior was observed 6 to 10 months after the start of the pandemic.

Data was collected retrospectively from 2018 to 2021 for children and adolescents under 18 years who had contact with psychiatric emergency services following a suicide attempt. Patient profiles were analyzed (age, gender, method, psychiatric history). Suicide attempt trends were analyzed using the PELT method, and correlations with pandemic data (including COVID-19 death rates and contact tracing levels) were tested using seasonally adjusted regression models.

Suicidal behavior increased among girls, and there was a rise in methods other than poisoning. Two strong predictors of increased suicidal behavior were identified: the number of COVID-19 deaths per month (with a three-month delayed effect) and the extent of contact tracing (with an 11-month delayed effect).

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a delayed increase in suicide attempts among children and adolescents. Patient profiles changed over time, and the severity of the pandemic (measured by deaths and contact tracing) were the most significant predictors. The results underscore the need for early, targeted support for young people during societal crises.