Beliefs about antidepressants among persons aged 70 years and older in treatment after a suicide attempt.

The use of antidepressants is associated with decreased suicide risk in late life, and these drugs are often prescribed after a suicide attempt. Yet little is known about attitudes to antidepressants in older persons with suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to assess beliefs about antidepressant medicines in older persons in treatment one year after a suicide attempt. Beliefs about antidepressants tended to be more positive than negative in older persons taking these drugs in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Further studies are called for, and should include objective measures of medication adherence.