Increased Readmission Rates in Younger Male Patients Due to Suicidal Risk in Newly Diagnosed Depressive Disorders After Initiation of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Abstract

BackgroundDepressive disorders have a prevalence of 322 million people worldwide and are a leading cause of morbidity. These disorders can affect individuals of all ages and can present over time. Due to the diversity in the presentation of depressive disorders, vigilance towards depressive disorders can lead to more timely and effective treatment. Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are the first lines of treatment for these disorders. Moreover, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black-box warning for several antidepressants, stating an increased risk of suicidality in individuals under 25 years old. However, the placement of this black-box warning has been controversial. In this study, the authors aim to investigate if there is a relationship between the use of SSRI or SNRI on patients with newly diagnosed depressive disorder and hospital readmission due to suicide-related events. MethodsFor this retrospective cohort study, de-identified data were obtained from the HCA Healthcare database by searching for patients newly diagnosed with depressive disorders and started on SSRIs or SNRIs. Patient data were evaluated for readmissions due to suicide-related events within 90 days of discharge from the hospital and establishing their initial SSRI/SNRI prescription. ResultsAfter data was obtained and evaluated via statistical analysis, the variables with statistical significance were: age (p-value = 0.0164) and sex (p-value = 0.0150). These two were significantly associated with the rate of readmission: younger and male patients had an increased risk of readmission due to suicide-related events within 90 days of discharge after starting SSRI, or SNRI, to treat depressive disorders. ConclusionThese results support the importance of monitoring patients started on SSRI or SNRI, with particularly careful consideration in depressed young male patients.

Increased vigorous exercise and decreased sedentary activities are associated with decreased depressive symptoms in United States adults: Analysis of The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020

“…Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that affects more than 4% of the global population and is a leading cause of disability and nonfatal health loss worldwide 1 . In the United States, depression has a lifetime prevalence of 21.6%, making it the most common psychiatric illness in the country 2–4 . It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and a range of cognitive and physical symptoms.…”

“… 1 In the United States, depression has a lifetime prevalence of 21.6%, making it the most common psychiatric illness in the country. 2 , 3 , 4 It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and a range of cognitive and physical symptoms. The impact of depression extends beyond individual suffering, as it is associated with increased risks of suicide, generalized anxiety disorder, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, infection, and premature mortality compared to the general population.…”