Together, these findings suggest that the best approach is to encourage treatment, but with appropriate precautions such as Dispensing antidepressants in sublethal amounts Preferentially using antidepressants that are not lethal if taken in overdose Providing more frequent monitoring and visits early in treatment Giving a clear warning to patients and to family members and significant others to be alert for symptoms such as agitation, insomnia, or suicidal ideation Instructing patients, family members, and significant others to immediately call the prescribing clinician or seek care elsewhere if symptoms worsen or suicidal ideation occurs Several studies have shown that lithium, when given with antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics, reduces the number of deaths by suicide in patients with major depression or bipolar disorder.