Key result
SSRIs showed similar suicide rates (0.59%) among depressed patients compared to standard antidepressants (0.76%) and placebo (0.45%), failing to support an increased suicide risk.
Why the study?
Does the use of SSRIs or other antidepressants increase the risk of completed suicide compared to placebo in depressed patients?
Population
48,277 depressed patients participating in controlled clinical trials for nine modern FDA-approved…
Comparison
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or other… vs Placebo or standard comparison antidepressant
Design
Meta-analysis
Authors
Loading...
Supports SSRI use in depression without added suicide caution; confirms no increased completed suicide risk versus placebo or alternatives.
Meta-Analysis (n=48,277)
Does the use of SSRIs or other antidepressants increase the risk of completed suicide compared to placebo in depressed patients?
Absolute Event Rate: 0.59% vs 0.45%
Analysis of FDA trial data shows no significant difference in completed suicide rates between depressed patients treated with SSRIs, other antidepressants, or placebo.
Khan et al. (2003) conducted a meta-analysis in Depression (n=48,277). SSRIs vs. Other antidepressants or placebo was evaluated on Completed suicides. SSRIs showed similar suicide rates (0.59%) among depressed patients compared to standard antidepressants (0.76%) and placebo (0.45%), failing to support an increased suicide risk.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: