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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and the risk of suicide: a controlled forensic database study

G Isacsson1, P Holmgren, J Ahlner

  • 1Neurotec, Division of Psychiatry, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. goran.isacsson@neurotec.ki.se

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|March 3, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found no evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase suicide risk in children or adolescents. Analysis of Swedish data over 9 years showed SSRIs were not associated with higher suicide rates in any age group.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology
  • Forensic Toxicology

Background:

  • Concerns exist regarding a potential suicide-emergent effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
  • This effect is particularly scrutinized in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that SSRI antidepressants may increase suicide risk.
  • To analyze the association between SSRI use and suicide in different age groups, including children and adolescents.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative analysis of forensic toxicological screening data from Sweden (1992-2000).
  • Compared antidepressant detections in 14,857 suicides versus 26,422 control cases (accidental or natural deaths).

Main Results:

  • Antidepressants were detected in 3411 suicides and 1538 controls.
  • SSRIs showed lower odds ratios compared to other antidepressants.
  • No SSRIs were detected in suicides under 15 years; lower relative risk in 15-19 year olds.

Conclusions:

  • The hypothesis of SSRIs increasing suicide risk was not supported by this nationwide Swedish study.
  • Analysis covered 9 years of SSRI use in adults, children, and adolescents.
  • No increased suicide risk was observed with SSRI treatment across all age groups.

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