Suicide and Antidepressants

The long-term benefit and documented efficacy of antidepressants in patients with recurrent forms of severe anxiety or depressive disorders support their use in those individuals with these disorders, who experience suicidal thoughts or behavior.

In general, it is assumed that antidepressants are beneficial for all symptoms of depression, including suicidality.

However, some evidence suggests that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRIs] may cause worsening of suicidal ideas in vulnerable patients.

This risk associated with suicide & anti-depressants can be anticipated and managed clinically.

Clinicians are, advised to maintain a close follow-up during the initial treatment periods and remain vigilant of this risk however, they should not be deterred from using effective dosages of antidepressants when clinically needed, and if found suitable otherwise.

Antidepressant therapy typically involves a substantial delay before clinically obvious improvements occur. During initial, partial recovery, it is possible that suicidal impulses as well as the energy to act on them may increase.