The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on US Emergency Departments.

Behavioral emergencies in the United States have been increasing, with some studies reporting a doubling in the number of people experiencing symptoms related to mental health conditions, although overall visits to US emergency departments (EDs) decreased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to avoid health care facilities, including EDs, even if they may have otherwise sought emergency care, and was associated with increases in new behavioral health diagnoses. Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 led to people limiting their in-person contact with others, likely exacerbating preexisting mental health issues.
Competing Interests: Disclosure Dr M.P. Wilson is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Emergency Medicine. Drs M.P. Wilson and S.L. Zeller are editors of the 2017 book The Diagnosis and Management of Agitation. The authors have no other relevant financial interests to disclose.
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