2022 in review: The year in pediatric mental health
As the pediatric mental health emergency continues, its effects on children continues to be a focus of research.
We compiled a list of pediatric mental health stories published in 2022.
ED visits for mental health surge among teen girls during pandemic
Weekly pediatric ED visits for eating and tic disorders have increased among females — especially adolescents aged 12 to 17 years — during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in MMWR. Read more.
More than one-third of US high schoolers report poor mental health during pandemic
Over a third of high school students in the United States reported experiencing poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to survey results published in MMWR. Read more.
Family stress during pandemic linked to problematic media use among kids
Family stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with problematic media use by children and teenagers, according to a study published in Pediatrics. Read more.
Top surgery improves dysphoria in nonbinary, transmasculine youth
Gender-affirming top surgery was associated with improved chest dysphoria, gender congruence and body image satisfaction in transmasculine and nonbinary patients aged 12 to 24 years, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Read more.
AAP receives funds to launch center on social media, youth mental health
The AAP said it will launch a National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Mental Wellness using $10 million in funding from the HHS, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Read more.
Young people with gender dysphoria more likely to self-harm, large study finds
A study of more than 2 million hospitalized young people found that those with gender dysphoria were far more likely to have been admitted for self-harm or suicide attempts than their peers without it. Read more.
Increases in youth suicide linked to mental health worker shortage
A study found an association between shortages in mental health workers and increases in youth suicide rates, according to findings published in JAMA Pediatrics. Read more.