This isn’t Gibbons’ first attempt to defend antidepressants in the wake of FDA findings they increase suicidal behavior in children/adolescents and are ineffective. Gibbons published an analysis in 2004 arguing that suicides increased because of decreased prescriptions of antidepressants. The British Medical Journal described Gibbons’ conclusions as “astonishing,” “misleading” and “reckless,” another scientist called the analysis “incorrect” and “alarmist,” while one of his own co-authors was forced to admit the conclusions of the study were “not right,” it “doesn’t follow from the data, it is not true,” and it “serves just to scare people.” I look forward to seeing an objective critical review of Gibbons’ latest analysis before I swallow this hook, line and sinker.
Citations:
Jon Jureidini, The Black Box Warning: Decreased Prescriptions and Increased Youth Suicide?, 164 Am. J. Psychiatry 1907 (2007).
Tony Sheldon, Dutch Academics Criticise Suicide Claims in American Journal, 336 Brit. Med. J. 112 (2008).
Interview with Ron Herings, Argos, VPRO/VARA, Radio 1 (December 7, 2007).
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Peter Wood 8:55PM February 13, 2012
Will R of NY 3:41PM February 10, 2012
Cindy of CA 5:00PM February 08, 2012