These data do not contradict the (very probably true) thesis that Bryan relates, which is that the depression causes the suicide. The SSRI causes an easing of depression, allowing the person to function, allowing the person to act on their suicidal desires, which requires functioning.
The same reason, I assume, that manic-depressives mostly kill themselves during the manic phase (IIRC), despite it being virtually impossible to feel bad when you are in a manic state.
--- On Thu, 8/27/09, Miles Jackson <cqmv at pdx.edu> wrote:
> From: Miles Jackson <cqmv at pdx.edu>
> Subject: Re: [lbo-talk] let's argue about the cause of mental illness
> To: lbo-talk at lbo-talk.org
> Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 12:36 PM
> Bryan Atinsky wrote:
> >
> > She said that while she wouldn't say that there
> couldn't be instances where the SSRIs themselves were the
> overriding contributing factor, but that this case is even
> rarer than the data would suggest.
> >
> > This is what she argued (as much as I can remember),
> at least.
>
> Let me emphasize: these are experimental studies.
> People are randomly assigned to a placebo group or a drug
> dosage group, so any preexisting factors cannot explain
> observed differences in outcomes. The data are clear:
> SSRIs cause suicide in a small number of people.
>
> --In passing, I will note that I am amazed at the poor
> training in research methods that most medical doctors
> receive. Most docs could not distinguish the
> difference between a correlational study and an experimental
> study if it bit them on the ass.
>
> Miles
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