Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and suicidal ideation: findings from the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Pirkis, Jane E; Burgess, Philip M; Johnston, Amy K; Whiteford, Harvey A

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2010.tb03408.x

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To the Editor: There has been considerable debate about whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can induce suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Using data from the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHWB),1,2 we examined the relationship between SSRI use and suicidality.

1 Centre for Health Policy, Programs and Economics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.
2 Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD.
3 National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW.

Correspondence: j.pirkis@unimelb.edu.au

1. Slade T, Johnston A, Oakley Browne MA, et al. 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: methods and key findings. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2009; 43: 594-605.
2. Johnston AK, Pirkis JE, Burgess PM. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours among Australian adults: findings from the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2009; 43: 635-643.
3. Möller H-J. Is there evidence for negative effects of antidepressants on suicidality in depressive patients? A systematic review. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2006; 256: 476-496.
4. Barbui C, Esposito E, Cipriani A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of suicide: a systematic review of observational studies. CMAJ 2009; 180: 291-297.

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