Fluoxetine and Suicide Rates
Author Information
Author(s): Milane Michael S, Suchard Marc A, Wong Ma-Li, Licinio Julio
Primary Institution: University of California Los Angeles
Hypothesis
Is there an association between antidepressant use and suicide rates at a population level?
Conclusion
The introduction of SSRIs in 1988 has been associated with a significant reduction in the number of suicides.
Supporting Evidence
- Suicide rates fluctuated between 12.2 and 13.7 per 100,000 from the early 1960s until 1988.
- Since the introduction of fluoxetine in 1988, suicide rates have gradually declined.
- The study estimated that fluoxetine may have saved approximately 33,600 lives from suicide between 1988 and 2002.
Takeaway
This study found that using a specific antidepressant called fluoxetine might have helped reduce the number of people who commit suicide since it was introduced.
Methodology
The study analyzed age-adjusted suicide rates and fluoxetine prescription data from 1960 to 2002 using statistical modeling.
Potential Biases
The study could not rule out the possibility that fluoxetine treatment is associated with an increased risk of suicide in a smaller group of individuals.
Limitations
The analysis was across combined age groups and did not account for prescription data categorized by age or gender.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on the US population, with specific attention to trends in male and female suicide rates.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
22,400–45,000
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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