Do antidepressants increase the risk of suicide?

The widespread use of antidepressants in various areas of medicine and the long duration of treatment have led to discussions on the relationship between effectiveness and different risks of their prescription. In particular, the extent to which taking antidepressants is associated with an increased risk of suicide is a matter of great attention. The aim of the study was to conduct a non-systematic review and analysis of the literature on the relationship between antidepressant therapy and the risk of suicidal behavior. The results showed that the original studies were conducted using a heterogeneous methodology and were accompanied by contradictory findings. According to one data, the usage of antidepressants increases the risk of suicide at a young age and above 65 years of age. The emergence of suicidal thoughts in adults when prescribing antidepressants is rare and usually tends to progressively weaken during the first 4-6 weeks of treatment. The most severe predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts during antidepressant therapy include such factors as starting therapy with high doses, lack of response to treatment, past suicide attempts, comorbid systemic disease and substance abuse...