The BBC Panorama programme A Prescription for Murder? shown last night suggests a link between antidepressants and murder. The Royal College of Psychiatrists believes this is unfounded and irresponsible.
Look at the evidence. At least 40 million prescriptions are issued for antidepressants in the UK each year. When a type of medication is that common, it’s not impossible that somebody who commits a violent act may also take antidepressants. Does this mean the two are linked? No.
There is absolutely no evidence to suggest a causal relationship between these drugs and murder. There is continuing research into violence, psychosis and suicide linked to the class of antidepressants known as SSRIs but no evidence has been found to warrant any change in guidance for their use.