Study Links Antidepressants to Violent Behavior

Antidepressants are widely used to treat depressive disorders and other conditions, such as dysthymia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The popular treatment, though not always curative, can greatly reduce a patient’s symptoms. A new study, however, reveals that young people taking antidepressants are also far more likely to commit violent crimes, such as assault, murder and robbery.

THE LINK BETWEEN ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND VIOLENT CRIMES

According to The Telegraph, antidepressants – the vast majority of which are SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac and Seroxat – are increasingly being prescribed to patients. As a correlation, the study, which examined 850,000 people in Sweden, found that people between the ages of 15 and 24 were 43 percent more likely to be convicted of crimes. More specifically, between the years 2006 and 2010, 84,000 young people taking SSRI antidepressants had committed 2,081 violent crimes, roughly 890 more than expected for the general population. No significant difference, however, was noted in people older than 25.

WHAT DOES THE DATA MEAN FOR THOSE TAKING ANTIDEPRESSANTS?

Despite this notable trend, the authors of the study, led by Professor Seena Fazel of Oxford University, state that the results do not exactly prove a causal link between SSRIs and violent crime. Although, in the past, antidepressants have been associated with an increase in suicide rates, the researchers cite a number of reasons that could have influenced the results.

Younger people, for example, may be able to metabolize the drugs faster, which causes them to experience withdrawal symptoms that can likely result in irritability. Furthermore, the therapeutic nature of the drugs may cause people to drink more out of relief, and alcohol, as is commonly known, is very frequently associated with aggression or violence. This reasoning may also offer an explanation as to why younger people tend to be twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital for alcohol intoxication and substance abuse when compared to those not on medication.

Moreover, there are clinical reasons to taken into consideration. A doctor, for instance, can easily prescribe the wrong dosage of a drug, which would ultimately make it ineffective in treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, impulsivity and anger.

“When you go on antidepressants your symptoms are worse, so that might be one explanation,” Fazel states.

Whatever the reason, the study highlights the importance of communication between doctors and their patients. As a preventative measure, the scientists have stated that doctors should always warn individuals of the possible side effects or symptoms of the medication before prescribing a dosage.


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