Posted by jay on August 27, 2004, at 18:01:47
In reply to pediatric suicidality and SSRIs, posted by Larry Hoover on August 26, 2004, at 13:32:28
Hey Lar....
Good points...but I really have to wonder as there are numerous cases that have shown up over the past few years, where so-called 'normal' or 'non-clinically depressed' people have taken the meds (SSRI') and reported suicidal ideation and rumination. These number of reports came from clinicians in France and England, and some had even taken the drug themselves. (They used other co-workers to double blind the studies.) I'll see what I can find. I really *don't* think this is limited to kids. Most a.d.'s cause some pretty hefty chemical shifts at first when taken..and it seems that it is during this begining phase when most of the reports (including the many with kids)indicate there was suicidal rumination or behaviour.
There is a *very* simple sollution to this. First off, doctors should monitor new patients say weekly if not sooner, and start on as low a dose as possible. If that means liquid meds...or cutting into fours...whatever it takes! If agitation seems to be a possible problem, a heavy dose of a good benzo and a few days away from work/school may help. It's just using common sense, and I don't see why doctors shouldn't be held somewhat responsible, especially in the early care, for this. My old pdoc saw me every week for a year, then every two for the next.
Anyhow...just IMHO .02 (CAN) cents. ;-)
Jay
poster:jay
thread:382578
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040825/msgs/383109.html