Boob Jobs and Increased Suicide Risk
I was disturbed to read about a recent article that suggests an unexpected link between women who received cosmetic breast implants and an increased suicide rate. This article looked at 6 clinical studies and found that women who got boob jobs had twice the suicide rate compared with the suicide rate of the general population. The article goes to conclude that more study is warranted specifically looking at this issue, and that cosmetic surgeons who suspect that their prospect breast augmentation patient may be suffering from a mental illness are encouraged to refer their patients for a full mental health consultation before surgery. (abstract follows) Read more
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
Relationships, Research, and Resources
Welcome to the June 5, 2007 edition of carnival of depression, bipolar disorder, and mental health journeys.
In the depression category, Angela presents an important topic for women who are pregnant or have just delivered. For more information about this subject, please read my comprehensive review of the book, A Deeper Shade of Blue.
Jeff gives an honest and reflective look at the question, “am I depressed, and is this the kind that requires medication?” I find some of us migrate toward extremes - either denying there is any problem and refusing to seek help - or immediately labeling ourselves with multiple illnesses and begging for pills. We can save ourselves a lot of grief (not to mention risks of side effects) by spending some time asking ourselves some tough questions. Read more