Mental Health Conditions– and Substance Use—Associated Emergency Department Visits during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nevada, USA

ABSTRACT: Background—Mental health conditions and substance use are linked. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health conditions and substance use increased, while emergency department (ED) visits decreased in the U.S. There is limited information regarding how the pandemic has affected ED visits for patients with mental health conditions and substance use. Objectives—This study examined the changes in ED visits associated with more common and serious mental health conditions (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and schizophrenia) and more commonly used substances (opioids, cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes) in Nevada during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 compared with the pre-pandemic period. Methods—The Nevada State ED database from 2018 to 2021 was used (n = 4,185,416 ED visits). The 1

SUBMITTER: Mojtahedi Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10001596 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature