The Risk of Suicide With Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in the Elderly

The author explores the relationship between the initiation of therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants & completed suicide in patients 66 years of age or older within Ontario from 1992 to 2000. Data was collected from coronersÁø records, physician-billing claims, & hospitalization records. Results concluded selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy is associated with an increased risk of suicide during the first month of therapy compared with other antidepressants.(87 refs.)(CH)