Psychiatrists warn against linking antidepressants to suicide

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December 30, 2025 | 3:11pm

Trigger warning: suicide, mental health issues

MANILA, Philippines — Reckless speculation linking antidepressants to suicide risk distorts public understanding of mental health and may only drive people away from seeking treatment, the Philippine Psychiatric Association warned in a statement addressing recent public discourse on mental health medications. 

The group said depression and suicidal behavior are complex conditions arising from biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors, and that singling out antidepressants as a cause without clinical proof is "medically unsound and irresponsible." 

The statement did not name any specific incident, but it comes amid reports that former Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19, tested positive for an antidepressant. 

Cabral was found unconscious near Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, on December 18 after asking her driver to leave her alone at the site. She was declared dead shortly after midnight, with an autopsy later showing she died from blunt traumatic injury consistent with a fall. Authorities have since ruled the death a suicide with no signs of foul play detected. 

The former DPWH official — who handled planning and public-private partnership — was believed to have primary knowledge of the key players involved in the widespread corruption in flood control works. She was seen as a potential primary witness in investigations after another former DPWH undersecretary, Roberto Bernardo, accused her of approaching lawmakers with offers of kickbacks.

Police last week confirmed Cabral tested positive for citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety. 

Medications including melatonin and lemborexant, both used to treat sleep disorders, were also recovered from her hotel room, prompting speculations that suggest she may have been suffering from insomnia linked to depression or anxiety.

Depression treatment, not cause of suicide

The psychiatric association pushed back against framing antidepressants as contributing to the risk of suicide. 

It's depression, when untreated or inadequately treated, that creates substantial suicide risk, the association pointed out.

"The reckless use of mental health narratives to support conjecture or assign blame fuels stigma, distorts public understanding, and may deter individuals from seeking much-needed professional help," the group said.

Antidepressants are most effective when prescribed following careful assessment, appropriate monitoring, and as part of comprehensive treatment that may include psychotherapy, family and community support, lifestyle interventions, and spiritual or faith-based practices, the association said.

The group called for responsible journalism and ethical public discourse on mental health, citing Department of Health and World Health Organization guidelines. 

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If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at +63 917 899 8727 or 7989 8727 for immediate support.