Overview
- Researchers analyzed 54,876 people aged 16 or older hospitalized for traumatic brain injury in Finland from 2005 to 2018, 14% of whom were using SSRIs, SNRIs, or TCAs before injury.
- Thirty-day mortality was similar for users and non-users (7.6% vs 7.5%), with no significant association after adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio 0.98; 95% CI 0.90–1.07).
- Antidepressant users had a slightly lower likelihood of emergency brain surgery (6.8% vs 8.6%; adjusted relative risk 0.89; 95% CI 0.82–0.97).
- Length of hospitalization did not differ between groups, and serotonergic profile or drug class did not alter mortality risk.
- The findings were published January 28 in Neurology and the authors note results reflect early outcomes in Finland, urging studies on long-term recovery in other health systems.