Antidepressants And Suicide

Paper Summary:

The number of suicides over the past 20 years, in the United States, has exceeded the number of deaths from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The paper shows that, recently, concern has been expressed regarding the connection between the use of antidepressant drugs and suicide. Over the last two years, thanks to pressure from the public, politicians and regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies have released internal data regarding popular antidepressant drugs, used to treat children and adolescents, showing that not only are they not as effective as some had hoped, but they also may be quite dangerous. The paper shows that drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and a few others have critics worried that their usage may cause suicidal impulses. This dangerous link may compound the possibility of suicide for individuals already at a high risk, due to their depression.

Paper Outline:
Introduction
Antidepressant Use and Effectiveness
Antidepressants and Suicide in Children and Adolescents
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"By March 2004, the FDA announced a request to manufacturers of ten of the leading antidepressant drugs to strengthen their "Warnings" section on their packaging inserts. They asked manufacturers "to encourage close observation for worsening depression or the emergence of suicidal thinking and behavior" ("Questions and answers", 2004), for both adults and children. The FDA furthermore noted the possibility of discontinuing medication for patients whose depression worsened or who developed suicidal impulses."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Miller, K.E. (1 Nov 2005). Suicide rates and use of antidepressants. American Family Physician. Retrieved December 7, 2005, from FindArticles database.
• Questions and answers on antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. (22 Mar 2004). Retrieved December 7, 2005, from http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/Q&A_antidepressants.htm.
• Raeburn, P. (Sept - Oct 2004). The pill paradox: Are antidepressants killing teens, or saving their lives? Psychology Today. Retrieved December 7, 2005, from FindArticles database.
• Reports of suicidality in pediatric patients being treated with antidepressant medications for major depressive disorder (MDD). (27 Oct 2003). Retrieved December 7, 2005, from http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/mdd.htm.
• Suicidality in adults being treated with antidepressant medications. (30 Jun 2005). Retrieved December 7, 2005, from http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/SSRI200507.htm.

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