ORLANDO — Pediatric EDs throughout the United States have seen an increase in the number of visits due to mental health problems, according to research presented at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition. Researchers said the rate rose highest among pediatric patients who identified as non-Hispanic black.

Researchers said approximately 17.1 million children in the U.S. have a psychiatric disorder. Furthermore, between 2% and 5% of ED presentations are related to mental health.