A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that taking prescribed folic acid significantly reduced the risk of suicide attempts. Experts say it could potentially be a “major breakthrough” in suicide prevention.
A large study that looked at 867,000 American adults over a two-year period found a beneficial link between prescribed folic acid (a B-vitamin that helps the body grow healthy new cells) and a 44% reduction in suicide attempts and intentional self-mutilation. The study also showed a 5% reduction in suicide rates for each additional month of folic acid treatment.
Cleveland Clinic psychiatrist, Dr. Tatiana Falcone told the Unique Observer that the results were very interesting. She noted that while the researchers ruled out factors that could confound the results, they still found that folic acid regimens mattered.
The researchers also compared the two groups. One is taking prescribed folic acid and the other is taking cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) as a control group. It was found that there were fewer suicide attempts in the folic acid group.
However, if additional research confirms that inexpensive and widely available folic acid is a suicide prevention tool, it would be “important for patients with low folic acid levels associated with depression or suicidal thoughts,” Falcone said.
Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend Mind, who was not involved in the study, called the results “impressive”.
However, she agrees with Falcone that more research is needed. Hafeez also said it’s important to note that the folic acid used for the purposes of this study is a prescription drug and not an over-the-counter supplement.
“This will be a breakthrough not only in the treatment of depression, but also in the treatment of drug-resistant depression,” Hafeez added.
Several studies have found a link between low levels of folic acid (the natural form of the B vitamin) and depression. This may be because folic acid plays a role in the formation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help treat depression and other mood disorders by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
Falcone adds that it’s important not to wait for depression to be treated. “If depressive symptoms persist for a long time, prolonged suicidal thoughts increase the likelihood that the patient’s condition will continue to worsen. It’s best to combine medication and treatment.”she said.
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