VA Study Suggests Antidepressants Have Protective Effect on Suicide
The link between suicide and antidepressant (especially SSRI) use has been debated for the past few years, particularly on the potential causative link that antidepressant use may cause suicidal risks in certain patients (pediatric and teens). In the July issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry, a paper titled, “Relationship Between Antidepressants and Suicide Attempts: An Analysis of the Veterans Health Administration Data Sets” was published to look at the relationship of antidepressant use to suicide attempts in adults treated in the veterans administration (VA) system. The abstract follows with link to an online full text editorial. Read more
First Trimester Pregnancy Use of Antidepressants
Pregnant mothers who have depression or are at the risk of depression are often concerned about the effects of antidepressants on their developing babies. A study published in late June (full abstract is included below) suggested that risks of 3 types of birth defects - craniosynostosis, omphalocele, or heart defects - were not significantly increased with SSRI use overall. However, there appeared to be a slight increase in risk in certain birth defects with certain types of antidepressants: paroxetine (brand name Paxil) and sertraline (brand name Zoloft) were two medications found to have associated increase in certain birth defects. The authors concluded that the absolute risk of birth defects due to antidepressant use during the first trimester of pregnancy is small. Read more
Seasonal Funk, Psych Appointments, Myth of Happy, and Ecotherapy
Welcome to the June 26, 2007 edition of carnival of depression, bipolar disorder, and mental health journeys. Here are my four selections for this edition of the carnival. Entries were chosen based on original content, theme relevance, and “personality”. Congratulations to Mercurial Scribe, BP Professional, Chris614, and James Bishop.
mercurial scribe is not feeling that great due to the seasonal change. Some people are especially prone to seasonal-related mood changes, and for some, symptoms may be triggered by weather changes. I personally love the time when weather becomes warmer and the sun is out earlier and longer, and those who experience symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder find they may need a certain amount of (sun) light to feel well. For others, like the mercurial scribe, the changing season brings a change in mood that may be dark. Hang tough, mercurial scribe. Read more