[skissane]

That may be a factor, but it is likely more complex than just that.

SSRIs can cause some individuals to become disinhibited, impulsive. It is a particularly common symptom in children and adolescents (which is why many paediatricians and child psychiatrists hesitate to prescribe them), but more rarely can happen in adults too. Probably some people have a genetic susceptibility to it. It isn’t purely about ameliorating depression, since the same side effect has been observed in non-depressed children administered SSRIs (which aren’t solely used to treat depression, sometimes they are used to treat anxiety too, plus some children can end up being prescribed them when they have neither, due to misprescribing or off-label use.)

Disinhibition and increased impulsivity can increase the risks of suicidality/homicidality/etc

[cupcake-unicorn]

I honestly wonder if it isn't less rare in adults or if adults just are more likely to fall through the cracks and to have whatever underlying disorder blamed on the behavior. Children are a more vulnerable group who has a parent who is witness to the obvious behavior changes and can staunchly advocate for their child. Many adults starting SSRIs are isolated, don't have great support networks or friends looking out for them and are meeting with their doctors for the first time. For all the doctors know, behavioral issues were underlying, things just got worse, etc.

Anecdotal, but I've never once met a doctor who adequately described the risks of an SSRI to me as a patient, and even some who have pushed back when I've told them of my own dangerous reactions and other risk factors the drugs have. They really should, as should the risks of new psychedelic based drugs hitting the market. I don't have a problem with the study that's posted. What I do have a problem with is that I feel as if this information is going to be disproportionately used to deny access to RX psychedelics, when existing RXs with similar or worse risk factors aren't discussed in this manner at all.

[skissane]

> Anecdotal, but I've never once met a doctor who adequately described the risks of an SSRI to me as a patient,

I've tried SSRIs several times, more than one (and an SNRI and MAOI too). They never did anything for me other than cause unpleasant side effects.

The best cure for depression I've ever found is Vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine. Is that because I was never actually depressed and my real problem all along was ADHD? Maybe... but, on the other hand, I'm pretty sure sometimes my depression has been an independent problem from my ADHD and sometimes a much bigger one. The fact is, psychostimulants have an antidepressant effect, and are sometimes even prescribed off-label to non-ADHD patients in order to treat depression (generally only for "treatment-resistant depression", i.e. "we've tried all the antidepressants and none of them work"). I think it could possibly benefit more people with depression (at least they should try it), but psychiatrists are discouraged from prescribing it for them (here in Australia, psychiatrists actually need per-patient government approval to legally prescribe stimulants off-label). In practice, it is easier to convince a psychiatrist that you have ADHD, than it is to convince a psychiatrist to prescribe you stimulants for something other than ADHD.