Key result
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure in older patients with major depression was associated with an increased risk of attempted suicide compared to no treatment (RR 1.18; 95% CI 1.10-1.27).
Why the study?
Does treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase the risk of suicidality or suicide in older people with major depression?
Systematic Review (n=1,281)
Does treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase the risk of suicidality or suicide in older people with major depression?
Relative Risk: 1.18 (95% CI 1.1–1.27)
SSRI treatment in older people with major depression may be associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts and completed suicide over long-term follow-up compared to no treatment, highlighting the need for regular monitoring.
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Supports enhanced suicidality monitoring in older SSRI users; extends meta-analytic evidence on long-term risks.
KoKoAung et al. (2015) conducted a systematic review in Major depression (n=1,281). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors vs. Placebo, other antidepressants, or no treatment was evaluated on Attempted suicide (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10-1.27). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure in older patients with major depression was associated with an increased risk of attempted suicide compared to no treatment (RR 1.18; 95% CI 1.10-1.27).
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