Suicide and Antidepressants (IN: The Neurobiology of Suicide: From the Bench to the Clinic, edited by D M Stoff & J J Mann)

Because of the relationship between suicide & depression, it is important to investigate if antidepressants can treat suicidal thoughts. The high number of suicide attempts in patients suffering from recurrent brief depression is discussed. In addition, the author asks if antidepressants can control/reduce suicidal thoughts. He also asks if some antidepressants such as maprotiline can raise the suicide attempt rate. An analysis of the toxicity of antidepressant drugs is also included. (27 refs.)