Glaxo Smith Klein have just published the results of their analysis of the risk of suicide, especially amongst the young, whilst taking seroxat.
I acknowledge this is a difficult area, because as they rightly say, depression is associated with the increased risk of suicidal thoughts… and their trial shows an increased risk… a higher frequency of suicidal behaviour in young adults on seroxat (though they claim this is not statistically significant!
Well it is if it is you or your child!) and they also admit to an increase in suidical behaviour in adults treated with seroxat (which is statistically significant), but not to worry because the suicidal attempts were all non fatal (!)
They recommend increased levels of surveillance of patients taking the medication, very good advice, but to continue to prescribe the drug, no surprise there.
There is an increased risk of suicidal behaviour around the time of 1st presentation for an NHS practitioner to consider as they will prescribe the medication and monitor the patient, and there is an increased risk if the dosage is changed at any time.
Research also shows that suicidal behaviour is always accompanied by an ‘identified social stressor at the time of the event’, so any surveillance must be particularly acute at such times.
There is now a great deal of experience in the homeopathic community in the treatment of depression, and apart from the remedies given, the best relief is seen from giving the client time to talk about the problems and to plan a course of action for recovery, even if this is a complex process.
I think the best results come from offering a support structure and education around positive action, which is essential if the pain of distress is to be safely vented and healing begun.
It is never safe to assume that you as an observer know the level of pent up stress, pressure, fear, distress etc in the depressed mood.
This can vary from mild to very severe and the presentation is not always easy to differentiate. How can you tell if a volcano is Krakatoa or Hawain?
One is catastrophic when it releases and one erupts continuously in a relatively stable manner.
It is most important to take a full case and let the depressed person find their own pace.
Every organism tends to healing, given the right circumstances.
Right circumstances are as important as the chosen remedy, and it will be important to offer suggestions for practical measures as well as offering medication.