Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
08:25

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Published on: December 6, 2024

A Research Agenda for Acute Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies

Jennifer A Hoffmann1, Ashley A Foster2, Polina Krass3

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.

Annals of Emergency Medicine
|July 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study outlines a research agenda for pediatric mental health emergencies. It prioritizes improving care for children at risk of harm in emergency departments and pre-hospital settings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Emergency departments (EDs) face increasing challenges in managing children with mental and behavioral health conditions.
  • There is a critical need for evidence-based research to guide the care of these vulnerable youth.
  • Existing research priorities require consensus and refinement to address current gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a consensus-based research agenda for the emergency care of children with mental and behavioral health conditions.
  • To identify high-priority research questions through expert consensus.
  • To inform future research directions and improve clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • A modified Delphi method was employed with 23 expert partners, including parents and clinicians.
  • Initial research priorities were informed by a literature review and then modified, added to, and rated by experts over three survey rounds.
  • Consensus was defined by specific median ratings on priority, need, urgency, research impact, and family-centeredness.

Main Results:

  • Fifty-one research priorities reached consensus, with 31 identified as top-tier.
  • Key areas include out-of-hospital care, general ED care, management of acute agitation, suicide prevention, and post-discharge follow-up.
  • Expert panel composition ensured diverse perspectives, including lived experience.

Conclusions:

  • A consensus-driven research agenda has been developed to guide future studies in pediatric emergency mental health.
  • This agenda highlights the need for improved identification and management strategies for children at risk of harm.
  • The findings emphasize the importance of integrated care across out-of-hospital and ED settings.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdolescentChildEmergency serviceHospitalMental health

More Related Videos

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I

Specialized care settings or centers are situated in convenient locations within the community and offer care to a specific group or population. They consist of daycare facilities, mental health facilities, rural health facilities, educational institutions, industries, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation facilities.
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder01:29

Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder

The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Community Based Intervention01:30

Community Based Intervention

Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...