How Have the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Antidepressants Affected Suicide Mortality?

The authors review evidence on 2 claims made about the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants – they have decreased suicide rates in the population & they have increased suicide rates in some individuals early in treatment. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials suggest an increase in suicide ideation compared with placebo but observational studies suggest the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors do not increase suicide risk more than older antidepressants. (45 refs.)