Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Prozac is the most widely prescribed antidepressant medication in history, having helped over 54 million patients worldwide by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and increasing the availability of serotonin to the brain, which affects the regulation of mood. Prozac and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRI) are effective in helping patients with depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. However, there exists a high correlation between the use of any antidepressant and an increased risk of suicide and attempted suicide as well as lower mortality rates compared those who do not use antidepressants. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the latest research on the relationship between SSRI drugs, particularly those in widespread use today, and suicidal behavior. In addition, this study will consider how public perception of SSRIs contributes to patterns of use.