[Relationship between suicide and antidepressant consumption (N06A) in an elderly population (over 60 years) from Bács-Kiskun county and the Kiskunhalas region in Hungary between 1999 and 2005].

INTRODUCTION

Although the number of suicides has been decreasing significantly in Hungary since 1983, it is still at a very high level. In spite of the general decrease in statistical figures, between 2004 and 2005 the number of male suicide victims increased in 8 counties and in 3 regions, while the number of female suicide victims increased in 4 counties. There are several new hypotheses to explain the decrease, among which, the most controversial is the one looking for connections between the decreasing number of suicide victims and the increasing consumption of antidepressants (N06A).

METHODOLOGY

Between 1999 and 2005, the relationship between suicides and antidepressant consumption was examined and analyzed in the 60+ population, coming from the Kiskunhalas, Kiskunmajsa and Jánoshalma small regions, the service area of the psychiatric ward of Kiskunhalas Hospital, from Bács-Kiskun County and from Hungary. These data were compared with those of the small region of Kiskunfélegyháza, which was the control area of the Kiskunhalas suicide prevention programme. Four indicators were used in the analysis of antidepressant consumption and suicides: 1. The number of patients using antidepressants. 2. The days of treatment; DOT. 3. The amount of the antidepressant used. 4. DHD: DDD/1000 inhabitant/day. (DDD: Defined daily dose by the WHO). Considering the fact that depressive states mixed with anxiety increase the risk of suicide, the connections between the number of suicides and the use of anxiety drugs were also analyzed. The connections were identified with correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

The results of the analysis supported the hypothesis that despite some contradictions, there is a connection between the increase in antidepressant use and the decrease in the number of suicides.

CONCLUSIONS

First, the complex diagnostics and treatment of depression has led to the decrease in suicidal risk in depressed patients. Second: more attention must be paid to anxiety disorders. Third: in the forthcoming suicide prevention programmes, greater attention must be paid to the 60+ population. Fourth: there is an underlying question which remains to be explained by future research: considering the fact that depressive disorders can be treated, why cannot this lead to a sharper decrease in the number of suicides?