10/24/2025
Abhishek Reddy, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist in our Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, conducted a study in adolescents aimed at evaluating the timing of intentional overdose attempts and whether they occurred in the context of recent screen use, as well as whether over-the-counter or prescription medications were used.
A heartbreaking and important story by Meg Oliver on CBS News last night highlighting a study by Abhishek Reddy and Timothy Ferrebee. The study examined data of children ages 12 to 17 who had been admitted to a hospital after attempting su***de by intentionally overdosing. It found that about two-thirds of those overdosed after 8 p.m., and approximately three out of four were on screens right before.
"It is very distracting and disturbs your sleep," Dr. Abhishek Reddy, an associate professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and psychiatrist Carilion Clinic conducted the research, said of screen use before bed."
Read More: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mother-of-10-year-old-girl-who-died-by-su***de-turns-grief-into-warning-for-other-parents-nighttime-cell-phone-use/
📞 If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline — help is available 24/7.
🔗 Learn more at https://news.vt.edu/.../study-sheds-light-on-overdose...
Also, check out Dr. Reddy on Virginia Tech's "Curious Conversations" podcast here : https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/...
***dePrevention