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01-05-2020 | Antidepressant Drugs | Original Paper

The Positive and Negative Experiences of 342 Antidepressant Users

Authors: John Read, Mihaela Grigoriu, Aimee Gee, Jacob Diggle, Helen Butler

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 4/2020

Abstract

Most efficacy and safety studies about medications adopt a quantitative approach, testing specific hypotheses with restricted samples. This online survey provides additional insights by directly asking people open questions. Thematic analysis was used to explore the responses of 342 antidepressant users to “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience of taking medication”. 59 (17.3%) made exclusively positive comments, 146 (42.7%) purely negative comments and 137 (40.0%) offered a mixture of positive and negative. Positive themes included: daily coping, life-changing/saving and stepping stone. Negative themes included: physical adverse effects, emotional and cognitive blunting, and withdrawal effects. Many participants also commented on relationships with prescribers. Collaboration was particularly valued. Negative sub-themes included failings in relation to information (especially about adverse effects and withdrawal), support, and alternatives. Clinicians have a duty to inform potential antidepressant users about positive and adverse effects, including withdrawal effects.

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Title: The Positive and Negative Experiences of 342 Antidepressant Users
Authors: John Read
Mihaela Grigoriu
Aimee Gee
Jacob Diggle
Helen Butler
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Antidepressant Drugs
Affective Disorder
Affective Disorder
Antidepressant Drugs
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-019-00535-0

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