Young mums may be at increased risk of suicide whilst on antidepressants

Young mums taking antidepressants are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour.

Young adults below the age of 25 years old are at an increased risk, similar to that seen in children and adolescents, finds research published on bmj.com today.

Dr Marc Stone and colleagues from the FDA asked eight manufacturers of antidepressant products to provide data on suicidal thinking and behaviour from published and unpublished randomised trials on antidepressants in adults.

Findings showed eight completed suicides, 134 suicide attempts, 10 patients who had made preparations without attempting suicide, and 378 patients who had thoughts about suicide but had not acted on them.

The greatest increased risk was noted in young adults with psychiatric disorders.