Editorial: It’s Not Just a Phase, and We Know What to Do: Children With Early-Onset Mental Health Concerns Deserve Care Now

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 10-14 year old, and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) young children is as high as 7.5%.1 Importantly, children 5 to 11 years old account for 43% of STB-focused emergency department visits in the United States.2 Despite the public health implications of STBs, limited research has focused on the longitudinal development of STBs. In this issue of the Journal, Hennefield et al.3 provide valuable insight into the persistence of preschool-onset major depressive disorder (PO-MDD) and STBs in preadolescents, highlighting opportunities for clinical systems of care.