Suicide Rates

Suicide rates doubled for children of 5-14 years old over the past 20 years!   Research by James W. Prescott, Ph.D.

For youth age 15-24 suicide has been the third leading cause of death for well over a generation. Last year 15 million prescriptions were written for (SSRI) antidepressants for children and teenagers. Suicide rates have now DOUBLED for children of 5-14 years old in the past generation…

Suicide is the third highest cause of death among teenagers age 15-24. Suicide rates have doubled for children of 5-14 years old in the past generation. Last year 15 million prescriptions were written for (SSRI) antidepressants for children and teenagers.

Recently the (FDA) acknowledged an increased suicide risk associate with children taking (SSRI) antidepressants. The mental health of our children is worse off today than it was 50 years ago. But for years the National Institute of Health (NIH) has been following a biomedical model that seeks a drug to solve every problem. It’s clearly been a massive failure.

Dr. James W. Prescott, past Health Scientist Administrator of the Development Behavioral Biology Program of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH) says “Clearly something is wrong in our culture when our children and teens are driven into suicide, despair, and [legal] drug addiction. The NIH and America are not asking the important question: “Where is all of this coming from and what can we do to prevent it?”

AMERICA’S LOST DREAM: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

By James W. Prescott, Ph.D.

(http://www.violence.de/prescott/appp/ald.pdf)

V. Depression and Suicide in Children and Youth of America

Depression and suicide are of epidemic proportions in America. Suicide has been the third leading cause of death in the youth age group of 15-24 years for the past generation (1979-1997) and is the fifth and sixth leading cause of death in the 5-14 year age group for the years 1979 and 1997, respectively. Tables 2 & 3 show that the suicide rates have doubled in the 5-14 year age group from 1979-1997. Table 4 gives the number of suicidal and homicidal deaths for the years 1979, 1994 and 1998 for the age groups of 1-4 years; 5-14 years and 15-24 years. The total number of suicidal deaths in these age groups for the years 1979, 1994 and 1998 are 5,398; 5,274 and 4,321, respectively. This represents an average of 4,999 suicide deaths per year for these years.

Given the average of 5,000 suicidal deaths per year, the estimated total number of suicidal deaths in these age groups from 1979-2000 is 105,000 children and youth who have committed suicide over this past generation. More children and youth (ages 5-24 years) have committed suicide in the past ten years than the total number of American combat lives lost in the ten year Vietnam War (est. 55,000 v 47,355), yet little or no public attention has been given to this reality and what it represents.

There are an estimated 60,828 suicides in the 25-44 year age group for the five years from 1994-1998 (12,166×5=60,828), an estimated total of 121,656 American lives lost to suicide for ten years in this age group that is more than double all the American lives lost in the ten year Vietnam War.

Table 5 gives the suicide rates as a percent of the homicide rates for these specific age groups and for the years 1979, 1994 and 1998. For the 5-14 year old age group, suicide rates, as a percent of homicide rates, have systematically increased from 1979 to 1998, as follows: 1979:36%; 1994: 60 %; 1998:73 %.

Suicidal death, relative to homicidal death, has dramatically increased for our children and youth in the 5- 14 year age group from 1979-1998. The question that remains unanswered is why do our children and youth prefer suicidal death to living in America, presumably the healthiest, wealthiest, and greatest nation of the world? Clearly, these dramatic increases in suicide rates over a single generation cannot be attributed to any changes in the human gene pool.

These statistics indicate that America is an unsafe nation to rear its children and this conclusion is also supported by the epidemic of depression that afflicts our children and youth, as evidenced by their massive psychiatric medication (Zito, et.al, 2000). Some 1.5 million prescriptions of the anti-depressant class of drugs called the serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SRIs, e.g., Prozac) are given annually to children and youth and some 3 million prescriptions of Ritalin are prescribed annually. The problem of underestimating child/youth suicides in our society is as real as it is for child abuse homicides, previously cited (Herman-Giddens, et.al, 1999), where they found that child abuse homicides were underascertained by 62%. It is reasonable to project a similar or larger underestimation of suicidal deaths, given the higher societal and family shame and guilt that is associated with suicidal death, particularly of children and youth. Undoubtedly, many suicidal deaths are hidden in the accidental death statistics and are a greater problem than the current statistics indicate.

The pioneering study of Salk, et al (1985) found prenatal and perinatal stress factors in 81% of teen suicides that represented a 400% increased risk of suicide compared to the control subjects. The studies of the Jacobson group in Sweden also documented the role of perinatal trauma and obstetric medications on later adult behaviors of suicide, homicide and drug addictive behaviors, where increased risks for some of these behaviors was as high as 500% compared to control groups (Jacobson, et al, 1987,1988, 1990, 1998/ 2000). The study of Raine, et al (1994) found birth complications and maternal rejection predicting violent crime at 18 years of age, which adds additional evidence that prenatal/perinatal trauma contributes to adult behavioral disorders. The report of Levy (1945) that the trauma of circumcision can lead to homicidal and suicidal emotional states should not be neglected in the overall assessment of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors that contribute to child, teen and adult emotional-behavioral disorders.

VI. Psychiatric Medications of the Children and Youth of America.

Breggin (1994, 1995, 1998) has warned America about the effects of a Toxic Psychiatry upon the children and youth of America, which have gone unheeded. The psychiatric drugging of the children, youth and adults of America have become worse where there is little or no questions being asked by the psychiatric-political establishment as to why are all these psychiatric drugs are necessary. Breggin (2000) provides a framework for the prevention of the psychiatric drugging of the children and youth of America and a path to follow, if natural happiness is to become a reality, which is the true prevention of depression and violence.

Zito, et al (2000) have reviewed the prevalence of psychotropic medication use in children and youth; and in preschool-aged children from 1991-1995 from two state Medicaid programs and an HMO. They reported: The prevalence of psychotropic medication treatment for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders has significantly increased in the United States during the last few decades, particularly in the last 15 years. Specifically the 5 through 14-yearold age group has experienced a great increase in stimulant treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHS), and the 15 through 19 -year- old age group has had sizable increases in the use of antidepressant medications (pp.1-2)… The rate of psychotropic medication prescribed for preschoolers in the MWM program increased substantially from 1991-1995. The increase was greatest for clonidine (28.2-fold), stimulants (3.0-fold), and antidepressants (2.2-fold). By contrast, neuroleptic use did not increase substantially during this time (p.4)… Methylphenidate (Ritalin) use according to age group in children and adolescents in the MWM program was most prominent for those aged 5-14 years… The largest methylphenidate increase (311%) was among 15 through19- year olds, whereas the 2 through 4- year-olds, like the 5-through 14 -year-olds, had a smaller but still substantial increase (169% to 176%) (pp.4-5)…

Several prominent trends characterized the use of psychotropic medications in preschoolers during the early to mid 1990s. Overall, there were large increases for all study medications (except the neuroleptics) and considerable variation according to gender, age, geographic region, and health care system. These findings are remarkable in light of the limited knowledge base that underlies psychotropic medication use in very young children. Controlled clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of psychotropic medications for preschoolers are rare. Efficacy data are essentially lacking for clonidine and the SSRIs and methylphenidate’s adverse effects for preschool children are more pronounced than for older youths. Consequently, the vast majority of psychotropic medications prescribed for preschoolers are being used offlabel. (P.5).

Recall that this 5-14 year age group showed a doubling of suicide rates over the past twenty years (supra).

Source: http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/2004-09-22-suicide-rates-doubled-5-14.htm

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SSRI & SSNRI antidepressants induced side-effects (Iatrogenic Extrapyramidal Symptoms) are recognized to be similar to Neuroleptic (anti-psychotic) induced side-effects. These side-effects are known as Tardive Dyskinesia/Dystonia (severe body movement disorder, mostly permanent), Parkinsonism (a sign of future Parkinson’s disease) and Akathisia (a Neurological driven severe mania/agitation that can lead to suicidality, suicide attempts, self-harm & suicide). It is well documented in the medical literature that these neuroleptic induced side-effects refer to damage at dopaminergic neurons in the “motor system” of the

“Basal Ganglia”, a structure deep in the “Limbic System” of the brain. 1, 2, 3, 4, http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic338.htm

Serotonin Syndrome

The Serotonin Syndrome is a potentially lethal condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity. It is a very dangerous and a potentially fatal side effect of the serotonergic enhancing drugs such as SSRI & SSNRI antidepressants and is diagnosed by the presence of at least 3 of 10 symptoms: mental status changes (confusion, hypomania), agitation, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, tremor, diarrhea, incoordination, and fever. This “hyperserotonergic” toxic condition requires heightened clinical awareness in order to prevent, recognize, and treat the condition promptly. Promptness is vital because, as we just mentioned, the serotonin syndrome can be fatal and death from this side effect can come very rapidly. The Serotonin syndrome is brought on by excessive levels of serotonin and is difficult to distinguish from the “Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome” because the symptoms are so similar. The “Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome” is a serious condition brought on by the use of neuroleptic drugs (anti-psychotics).

Source: Prozac: Panacea or Pandora? by Dr Ann Blake Tracy http://members.aol.com/atracyphd/syndrome.htm

Source: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

Antidepressant induced neurological and/or physical toxicity (body and/or brain damage) either as a result of prolonged inhibition of P450-2D6 liver-enzymes, or as a result of impairing serotonin metabolism, can take on many forms as described below. A few examples are:   Hyperserotonemia, such as the lifethreatening condition the Serotonin Syndrome, Epileptiform Discharges, Epileptic Seizures and/or Epilepsy, Hypoglycaemia/Hyperglycemia (Low/Elevated Blood Sugar Imbalance), Stroke/Hemorrhagic Syndromes, Frontal Lobe Syndrome, Tardive Dyskinesia/Dystonia, Parkinsonism, Akathisia, Mania, etc…

Source: http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/antidepressants-ADF.htm

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Overview
Paxil is the brand name for Paroxetine, a phenylpiperidine derivative. Paxil is an SSRI – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, which is a type of antidepressant. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) to normal.

Paxil’s effects can usually be felt within one to four weeks.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Paxil is used primarily to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD.)

Paxil is also used to treat:
depression
panic disorder / panic attacks
diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy)
chronic tension headaches
social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
premature ejaculation
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Warnings
The safety and effectiveness of Paxil in children under 18 years old have not been established.

Paxil is not addictive. Suddenly discontinuing Paxil may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, sweating, or tremors. Dosage should be gradually tapered when Paxil is discontinued.

Paxil does not usually cause sedation, but patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until it is known that Paxil does not affect the ability to safely engage in these activities.

For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: One study showed no adverse effects due to Paxil during pregnancy, but further study is required and pregnant women are not advised to take Paxil. Paxil passes into human breast milk, and nursing mothers should not take Paxil.

Contraindications
Paxil should Not be used for people with an allergy or hypersensitivity to this drug or any SSRI.

Precautions
Paxil may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
liver or kidney disease – lower dosage may be needed
seizures (epilepsy or convulsions) – risk of seizures is increased
a history of mania – Paxil may activate mania
elderly – lower dosage may be needed
brain disease or damage
mental retardation

Adverse Reactions
Paxil may cause the following reactions:
lowered blood pressure and fainting upon standing (postural hypotension)
sweating
dry mouth
nausea
headache
drowsiness
sedation
nervousness
insomnia
constipation
weakness
loss of appetite
taste disorders
tingling in hands
upset stomach
dizziness
blurred vision
itching
chills
abnormal ejaculation
impotence
sexual dysfunction
diarrhea
hypomania
seizures

Interactions with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Paxil are:
MAO Inhibitors (within 14 days) – serious or even fatal interactions can occur when taken with Paxil
benzodiazepines, desipramine, Haldol (haloperidol), and Normodyne (labetalol) – Paxil may increase the effects of these drugs
Dilantin (phenytoin) – can decrease blood levels of Paxil and reduce its effects
Quinaglute (quinidine) and Tagamet(cimetidine) – can increase Paxil levels and lead to drug toxicity
Astemizole (Hismanal) – can lead to a serious change in heart rhythm when taken with Paxil
Ultram (tramadol) – can increase the risk of seizures when taken with Paxil
Tryptophan – can increase side effects such as sweating, nausea, and dizziness when taken with Paxil
Coumadin (warfarin) – can cause bleeding when taken with Paxil
Moclobemide (Manerex) within 3 to 7 days
Buspirone (BuSpar), Bromocriptine (Parlodel), Dextromethorphan (cough medicine), Levodopa (Sinemet), Lithium, Meperidine (Demerol), Nefazodone (Serzone), Pentazocine (Talwin), other SSRIs (such as: Citalopram [Celexa], fluoxetine [Prozac], fluvoxamine [Luvox], sertraline [Zoloft]), LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), marijuana, Sumatriptan (Imitrex), Tramadol (Ultram), Trazodone (Desyrel), Tryptophan, Venlafaxine (Effexor) – taking these medicines with Paxil can increase the chance of developing a rare, but very serious, unwanted effect known as the serotonin syndrome, whose symptoms include confusion, diarrhea, fever, poor coordination, restlessness, shivering, sweating, talking or acting with excitement you cannot control, trembling or shaking, or twitching.

Source: http://whatmeds.stanford.edu/medications/paroxetine.html

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