Psychotropic Drugs and Self-Destructive Behaviour (IN: Suicide Research, Proceedings of the Seminars of Suicide Research, by Yrjo Jahnsson Foundation, 1974-1977)

The use of psychotropic drugs has increased remarkably since the 1950’s, and it is felt by some experts that the rise in frequency of attempted suicides is a direct consequence. The author discusses drug-related suicide attempts and completions and in particular describes the drug treatment of the patient who is a known suicide risk. The risks associated with prescription of psychotropic drugs are discussed at length. (NBB)