Study: ED visits for self-inflicted injuries surge among girls

Hospital emergency department visits for self-inflicted injury increased 8.4% per year among females aged 10-24 between 2009 and 2015, with the largest annual increase (18.8%) among girls aged 10 to 14, according to a study reported yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. ED visits for self-inflicted injury were relatively stable among young males over the period. The authors said the findings coincide with increased reports of depression among youth, especially young girls, and underscore the need for comprehensive strategies in health systems and communities to prevent suicide and self-harm.