Post date: Sep 22, 2011 7:10:6 PM
International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine 16 (2003/2004) 31–49 31
IOS Press
Suicidality, violence and mania caused by
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs): A review and analysis
∗
Peter R. Breggin
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.