PPA warns vs. linking antidepressant use to suicide sans evidence, context

As the investigation into the death of former Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral continues, the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) on Tuesday warned against public statements linking antidepressant use to increased suicidal thoughts without verified medical evidence and clinical context.

In a statement, the PPA stressed that doing so risks undermining trust in evidence-based mental health care. 

“To publicly single out antidepressants as a causal factor – absent proof of diagnosis, treatment details, or clinical course – is medically unsound and irresponsible,” the PPA said.

“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,” it added.

Though the PPA did not specify the public statement it was referring to, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Forensic Group recently said an antidepressant drug taken by Cabral could have triggered “increased suicidal thoughts and behavior.”

Cabral, who was linked to anomalous flood control projects, was found dead on December 18 “unconscious and unresponsive” 20 to 30 meters below a highway hours after she instructed her driver to leave her at a portion of Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet.

She was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on December 19.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously said Cabral surveyed the ravine, which may indicate the “seriousness of the intent” to jump to her death.

The PPA said depression and suicidal behavior are complex conditions, adding that antidepressants are a well-established treatment option for many people.

“Importantly, untreated or inadequately treated depression itself carries a substantial risk of suicide,” it stressed.

Cabral was earlier implicated in the flood control controversy by former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who claimed that Cabral would ask him to submit lists of projects related to lump sum fund allocations of the Department of Public Works and Highways. — JMA, GMA Integrated News