Low Level of Antidepressant Prescription for People who Later Commit Suicide: 15 Years of Experience From a Population-Based Drug Database in Sweden

The prescription pattern of 80 individuals who completed suicide in Jamtland County, Sweden between 1970-84 was traced. During the 3 months prior to the suicide, half of the patients had received medical attention; 73% of the women & 40% of the men had obtained prescription drugs. Only 13% & 9% respectively were prescribed antidepressants, often in low doses. The authors argue that this probably reflects the insufficient diagnosis & treatment of depressive disorders. (27 refs.)