Effects of Antidepressants on Suicidal Thoughts
Author Information
Author(s): Louise Brådvik, Mats Berglund
Primary Institution: Lund University Hospital
Hypothesis
Do ego-dystonic and ego-syntonic suicidal ideation occur at different frequencies during antidepressant therapy?
Conclusion
Ego-dystonic suicidal ideation is more frequent during adequate antidepressant therapy compared to ego-syntonic ideation.
Supporting Evidence
- Ego-dystonic suicidal ideation was more commonly reported during adequate treatment compared to ego-syntonic ideation.
- Men who committed suicide during treatment reported ego-dystonic ideation earlier in their lives.
- Ego-syntonic ideation appears to be more directly related to depression.
Takeaway
Some people think about suicide in a way that feels out of their control, and this study found that these thoughts happen more often even when they are getting treatment for depression.
Methodology
The study evaluated records of 100 suicides with severe depression and 100 matched controls, focusing on the frequency of ego-dystonic and ego-syntonic suicidal ideation during treatment.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias was minimized by using continuous reports in case records.
Limitations
The study lacked systematic inquiry of suicidal ideation.
Participant Demographics
44 men and 56 women who committed suicide, matched with controls of the same age and diagnosis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = .004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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