“The widespread use of antidepressants by soldiers could be contributing to the Army’s escalating suicide rate”

The widespread use of antidepressants by soldiers could be contributing to the Army’s escalating suicide rate (“Leaders criticized in Army suicides,” News, Friday). Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide or suicidal behavior in certain population groups.

USA Today
By Lou A. Murphy
August 3, 2010

The widespread use of antidepressants by soldiers could be contributing to the Army’s escalating suicide rate (“Leaders criticized in Army suicides,” News, Friday).

Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide or suicidal behavior in certain population groups. The warning required by the Food and Drug Administration on antidepressants states that children and young adults up to age 25 are particularly at risk.

In 2008, Time magazine published the article “America’s Medicated Army.” At that time, it was estimated that 12% of combat troops in Iraq and 17% in Afghanistan were taking antidepressants or sleeping pills.

Antidepressants alter the brain in ways not fully understood.

Read entire article here:  http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/letters/2010-08-04-letters04_ST2_N.htm