This independent systematic review included 11 of 34 outcome studies meeting quasi-experimental design criteria and found no increase in the one intended-monitoring study. Multiple studies found reductions in mental health care followed by increases in psychotropic-drug poisonings and suicide deaths, supporting reevaluation of the warning policy.
Our systematic review identified thirty-four studies of depression and suicide-related outcomes after these warnings; eleven of these studies met research design criteria established to reduce biases.
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This independent systematic review included 11 of 34 outcome studies meeting quasi-experimental design criteria and found no increase in the one intended-monitoring study. Multiple studies found reductions in mental health care followed by increases in psychotropic-drug poisonings and suicide deaths, supporting reevaluation of the warning policy. The review confirms the May 2007 expansion through age 24 and that the warning remained in effect at publication. Warning exposure could not be randomized; possible co-interventions and limited monitoring and poisoning studies are discussed.
