Risk for Suicide during Treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Antidepressants Medication

Abstract

Background: prolonged stress may lead to depression which also can lead to suicidal attempts. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the dominant class of antidepressants. Many mental health care providers have conflicts to the therapeutic role of antidepressants. Some studies found that SSRIs protect from suicide and others find no effect.

Aims: to find if there is a relationship between the use of SSRIs and suicide.

Methods: Computerized literature searches using CINAHL, Pub Med, and science direct database were undertaken, using the key words ‘SSRI antidepressants’, 'suicide, ' FDA black box warnings regarding SSRI antidepressants' , ‘ relationship between SSRIs and antidepressants', prevalence of SSRI antidepressants prescription among elderly', 'prevalence of suicide among patients treated with antidepressants'

Conclusion: Increased risk of suicide and self-harm caused by SSRIs antidepressants cannot be ruled out, but more searches with longer follow up are required to assess the balance of risks and benefits to be fully understood.