Citation

Cipriani A, Barbui C, Geddes JR. Br. Med. J. BMJ 2005; 330(7488): 373-374.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmj.330.7488.373

PMID

15718515

PMCID

PMC549094

Abstract

Unipolar depression, one of the most important causes of disability worldwide, is characterised by depressed mood, hopelessness, helplessness, intense feelings of guilt, sadness, low self esteem, thoughts of self harm, and suicide. Up to 15% of patients with unipolar depression eventually commit suicide. Although clinical guidelines recommend treating moderate to severe depression with antidepressant drugs, debate persists on whether some antidepressant drugs, in particular the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), cause the emergence or worsening of suicidal ideas in vulnerable patients.