Suicidality, violence and mania caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): A review and analysis

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Breggin, Peter R.

Affiliations: 101 East State Street, No. 112, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Abstract: Evidence from many sources confirms that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly cause or exacerbate a wide range of abnormal mental and behavioral conditions. These adverse drug reactions include the following overlapping clinical phenomena: a stimulant profile that ranges from mild agitation to manic psychoses, agitated depression, obsessive preoccupations that are alien or uncharacteristic of the individual, and akathisia. Each of these reactions can worsen the individual's mental condition and can result in suicidality, violence, and other forms of extreme abnormal behavior. Evidence for these reactions is found in clinical reports, controlled clinical trials, and epidemiological studies in children and adults. Recognition of these adverse drug reactions and withdrawal from the offending drugs can prevent misdiagnosis and the worsening of potentially severe iatrogenic disorders. These findings also have forensic application in criminal, malpractice, and product liability cases.

Journal: International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 31-49, 2004