Relationship between suicide rate and antidepressant prescription: An ecological study in the People's Republic of China

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to estimate the features of suicide rate and its association with antidepressant prescriptions during the past decade in China.MethodsOfficial data on suicides were obtained and stratified by four age groups, gender, urban/rural areas, and regions (East, Central, and West). The annual antidepressant prescriptions were expressed in pills per 100 persons calculated as the volume of prescriptions divided by the total population. Negative binomial regression was carried out to examine the association between suicide and other variables.ResultsSuicide rates in each stratum typically decreased from 2008 to 2015, while annual antidepressant prescriptions were generally increased by the year. The suicide rate increased with age and was greater in adult males than in females; higher in the central area and greater in rural than in urban areas. Suicide rates are negatively associated with antidepressant prescriptions including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.983, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.983–0.983), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (IRR 0.951, 95% CI 0.951–0.951), tricyclic antidepressant (IRR 0.925, 95% CI 0.925–0.925) and total antidepressants (IRR 0.990, 95% CI 0.990–0.990) during 2008–2012.ConclusionSuicide varied among different studied stratum. Suicide rates are negatively associated with antidepressant prescriptions.

Characteristics of Korean students advised to seek psychiatric treatment before death by suicide

“…Furthermore, according to the psychological autopsy of suicide conducted on adults in Korea, it was estimated that 619 out of 698 included individuals who died by suicide (88.7%) had psychiatric disorders ( 40 ). 5 A Chinese psychological autopsy study found that 63% of all suicides were related to mental illness ( 41 ), and it was recently found that antidepressant use is associated with a low suicide rate ( 42 ). Studies on suicide in children and adolescents reveal that mental illness is an important risk factor for suicide.…”

Rising Suicide Rates: Navigating the Complexity of Mental Health for Global Impact

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the urgent need to reduce suicide-related mortality on an international scale. Understanding the diverse causes of suicide is crucial, with research identifying genetic, economic, biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, among others (Xin et al, 2021). Moreover, suicide not only devastates the individuals who die but also leaves behind emotional turmoil for suicide survivors, often resulting in long-lasting effects and potentially leading to their own suicidal tendencies (Pompili et al, 2013).…”

“…The persistent challenges posed by rising suicide rates, despite ongoing mental health efforts, demand immediate attention (World Health Organization, 2021). It is crucial to comprehend the underlying causes and barriers to effective prevention in order to develop targeted interventions (Xin et al, 2021). By understanding the complexities surrounding suicide and its contributing factors, comprehensive approaches can be formulated to reduce stigma, enhance access to mental health services, and provide vital support to at-risk individuals (Mortier et al, 2018).…”