Posted by Larry Hoover on May 23, 2006, at 18:42:45
In reply to Re: Statistical question on SSRIs - ADDENDUM, posted by linkadge on May 23, 2006, at 17:14:17
> There are plenty of bits and pieces of information which I piece together to come to my conclusions. Studies are just studies. They need to be taken with a grain of salt.
Methinks its anecdote that needs the salt. SSRIs have lower suicidality than do tricyclics. Why aren't you looking there, too?
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/330/7488/389
Healy, after really studying the situation, now lumps all antidepressants together (I concluded that before he did).
Int Rev Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;17(3):163-72.
Antidepressant drug use & the risk of suicide.Healy D, Aldred G.
North Wales Department of Psychological Medicine, Cardiff University, Hergest Unit, Bangor, Wales LL57 2PW, UK. healy_hergest@compuserve.com
There have been longstanding concerns about the propensity of antidepressants to precipitate suicidality in vulnerable individuals. To investigate this further, first we have analyzed all clinical trials, and in particular trials submitted to regulators for evidence on the relative risk of antidepressants versus placebo for this hazard. Second, we have compiled current epidemiological evidence germane to the issue. Third, we have constructed a model (Investigative Medication Routine; IMR) to shed light on the interactions between drug uptake, patient numbers on treatment and suicidal events. The clinical trial data gives rise to a relative risk of suicide on antidepressants over placebo of the order of a 2.0-2.5 times greater risk with treatment. These figures are supported by epidemiological findings. Investigative Medication Routine translates such findings into estimates of likely adverse outcomes, and explains why apparently increasing consumption of antidepressants would not be expected to lead to increased national suicide rates. From this data, we conclude that there is a clear signal that suicides and suicidal acts may be linked to antidepressant usage. It would seem likely that explicit warnings and monitoring in the early stages of treatment could greatly minimize these hazards.
If you can't be rigorous, at least describe your conclusions as being unscientific, or I shall. SSRIs are, if anything, a lesser risk than the older drugs they replaced.
It sucks majorly being the one upon whom the weight of exception falls. You and I are both such individuals. Blaming somebody or something for that is not going to fix anything. Warning others certainly might.
Healy:
"It would seem likely that explicit warnings and monitoring in the early stages of treatment could greatly minimize these hazards."Hear! Hear!
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:640557
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060520/msgs/647472.html