Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Risk of Suicide: a Systematic Review of Observational Studies

The authors conducted a systematic review of observational studies that reported completed or attempted suicide in depressed individuals who were exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors compared with those who were not exposed to antidepressants. The overall risk of completed or attempted suicide was assessed. 8 studies involving more than 200,000 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Results from observational studies seem to indicate that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be associated with a reduced risk of suicide in adults with depression but may increase suicidality among adolescents. (57 refs.)