BMJ : British medical journal
The most recent articles from:
BMJ
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To examine the association between trends in antidepressant prescribing and suicide rates in Australia for 1991-2000. ⋯ Changes in suicide rates and exposure to antidepressants in Australia for 1991-2000 are significantly associated. This effect is most apparent in older age groups, in which rates of suicide decreased substantially in association with exposure to antidepressants. The increase in antidepressant prescribing may be a proxy marker for improved overall management of depression. If so, increased prescribing of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in general practice may have produced a quantifiable benefit in population mental health.