44.2 Investigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Symptom Presentation and Treatment Efficacy of a Suicide Prevention Program for Adolescents

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted structured schedules like schooling and increased social isolation. Youth suicide attempts were higher in months with heightened COVID-19–related stressors, underscoring the importance of evaluating differences in symptom presentation and efficacy of existing mental health interventions in a COVID-19 landscape. The purpose of this study is to investigate these differences in an adolescent suicide prevention program. Data were collected from adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in an intensive outpatient suicide prevention program. Participants were enrolled within March to October in 2019 (n = 75; 81.7% female; average age 14.75 years) and 2020 (n = 61; 88.5% female; average age 14.97 years). Independent t tests and χ2 analyses were used to compare: Concise Health Risk Tracking (CHRT) scale, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology (QIDS), Family Assessment Device (FAD), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), number of sessions attended, and number of suicide attempts. Baseline measures indicated no differences between the 2 cohorts on CHRT risk (p = 0.87), CHRT propensity (p = 0.75), QIDS (p = 0.97), or FAD (p = 0.64), and an increase in 2020 C-SSRS 1-month and lifetime nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; p = 0.04 and p = 0.03). Exit measures showed no differences on CHRT risk (p = 0.60), CHRT propensity (p = 0.27), QIDS (p = 0.92), or FAD (p = 0.67). The 2020 participants showed increases in the number of sessions attended (p = 0.003) and monthly program volumes (p = 0.01). There was no difference in the number of participants who attempted suicide during their participation in the program (p = 0.59); however, more 2020 participants attempted suicide before 1-month follow-up (p = 0.04). The lack of differences in baseline and endpoint measures, excepting NSSI, suggests that COVID-19 did not impact average mental health or immediate treatment response in this program. However, a significant increase in volumes and number of sessions attended (correlating to length of stay) may indicate a decrease in youth mental health and an increased need for suicide prevention. The increased number of patients attempting suicide after program completion points to potential differences in treatment durability. Data collection is currently ongoing. This poster will include 6-month follow-up data and additional months in the analysis.