Relationship Between Antidepressant Sales and Secular Trends in Suicide Rates in the Nordic Countries

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between antidepressant sales & trends in suicide rates in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, & Finland. In Norway, there was a short decline in suicide rates around the time of the increase in antidepressant sales. Decreasing suicide rates in Sweden & Denmark preceded the rise in antidepressant sales by over 10 years. In Finland, decreases in male & female suicide rates began around the time of increased antidepressant sales. Suicide rates declined in all 4 countries during the 1990s, whereas antidepressant sales increased. (22 refs)