A study published on August 5 in *JAMA Network Open* reveals that the reopening of schools following COVID-19 disruptions has been associated with a significant increase in acute psychiatric emergencies among children and adolescents.

Conducted by Chiara Davico, M.D., from the University of Turin in Italy, the research examined the relationship between school interruptions and changes in psychiatric emergency visits. The study analyzed 13,014 psychiatric emergency visits across nine urban university hospitals in Italy from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021.

The findings indicate a steady rise in psychiatric emergency visits over time, with a reported incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.19 per year. Notably, there were significant increases in visits related to eating disorders (up 294.8%), suicidal ideation (up 297.8%), and suicide attempts (up 249.1%). While the rise in visits was linked to school reopening rather than social lockdowns (IRR, 1.29), the impact was more pronounced among females and in cases of suicidal ideation and attempts. Additionally, the study found that socioeconomic status influenced the rise in psychiatric visits among males (IRR, 1.12).

The authors suggest that the return to school may be a major source of stress, leading to acute mental health issues in young people. The study highlights the need for continued support and mental health resources for students as they navigate post-pandemic educational environments.

Two of the study’s authors have disclosed financial relationships with the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.