Suicides in adolescents: benefit/harm balance of antidepressants

INTRODUCTION: Depression is an important cause of suicide in adolescents. It has been speculated that antidepressants themselves can increase the risk of suicide. METHOD: Cases of adolescents admitted to the Ege University Pediatric Emergency Department in Turkey due to suicide attempt were assessed. RESULTS: Nine of 13 suicide attempts during June 2005 were due to overdose of antidepressants prescribed for major depressive disorder. CONCLUSION: Well-designed studies are needed to elucidate the role of antidepressant drugs in suicide. Language: en