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Findings that suicide rates peak in spring and early summer (JW Psychiatry Jun 7 2010) have been partly attributed to a “circannual” pattern of serotonergic neurotransmission; several serotonin-related measures vary systematically throughout the year. Using 1992–2003 data from Swedish registries covering 12,448 suicides (72% men), researchers investigated whether different classes of antidepressants would alter the amplitude of this seasonal effect.
Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was found in 9% of men and 15% of women; other antidepressant use in 8% and 14%, respectively; violent methods of suicide in 74% and 56%, respectively; and inpatient treatment during the 5 years before suicide in 33% and 50%, respectively. Am…