203 research outputs found
A different kind of family: Retrospective accounts of growing up at Centrepoint and implications for adulthood
no abstract availabl
Do GPs and psychiatrists recommend alternatives when prescribing anti-depressants?
This study explores whether a partial explanation for high antidepressant prescription rates is the failure of prescribers to recommend alternatives. 1,829 New Zealand adults were asked which of six non-pharmacological treatment approaches were recommended when prescribed anti-depressants. The majority (82%) received at least one recommendation and 32% received three or more, most commonly āCounsellor/Psychologist/Psychotherapistā (74%) and Exercise Schedule (43%). It cannot, therefore, be concluded that failing to consider non-pharmacological treatments is a major cause of high prescribing rates. Being younger and more severely depressed were both positively related to number of recommendations. Psychiatrists made significantly more recommendations than GPs
āIn my life antidepressants have beenā¦ā: a qualitative analysis of usersā diverse experiences with antidepressants
Background
While mental health professionals have focused on concerns about whether antidepressants work on a neurochemical level it is important to understand the meaning this medication holds in the lives of people who use it. This study explores diversity in the experience of antidepressant users.
Methods
One thousand seven hundred forty-seven New Zealand antidepressant users responded to an open-ended question about their experience of antidepressants. This was analysed using content and thematic analysis.
Results
There was considerable diversity in participantsā responses including positive (54 %), negative (16 %) and mixed (28 %) experiences with antidepressants. Those with positive experiences saw antidepressants as a necessary treatment for a ādiseaseā, a life saver, a way of meeting social obligations, dealing with difficult circumstances or a stepping stone to further help. Negative themes described antidepressants as being ineffective, having unbearable side effects, undermining emotional authenticity, masking real problems and reducing the experience of control. Mixed experience themes showed how participants weighed up the unpleasant side effects against the benefits, felt calmer but less like themselves, struggled to find the one or dosage and felt stuck with continuing on antidepressants when they wished to stop.
Conclusions
Mental health professions need to recognize that antidepressants are not a āone size fits allā solution
Are older people prescribed antidepressants on the basis of fewer symptoms of depression, and for longer periods of time? A survey of 1825 New Zealanders
Aims: To determine whether older people are prescribed antidepressants at lower levels of
depression and with fewer symptoms, and whether they are more likely to engage in chronic
usage.
Methods: An online survey about experiences with, and opinions about, depression and
antidepressants, was completed by 1,825 New Zealand adults who had been prescribed
antidepressants in the preceding five years.
Results: Participants over 55 were prescribed antidepressants with significantly fewer
symptoms and were significantly less likely to meet DSM criteria for depression. They were
also significantly more likely to have used the drugs for three years and still be using them.
Conclusions: Prescribing physicians and their older patients might benefit from discussing
the pros and cons of antidepressants (including the additional risk factors with this age
group) and the alternatives; and, if prescription does occur, careful monitoring to avoid
unnecessary, potentially damaging, long-term use is recommended
Stressful events and circumstances reported by patients prior to being prescribed antidepressants
Aim
This study investigates the extent to which those who receive a prescription for antidepressants perceive psychosocial stressors to be significant in their difficulties.
Method
This study draws on a survey of adults prescribed antidepressants. It analyses 1,683 responses to an open-ended question that enquired about difficult events and circumstances participants experienced in the time leading up to receiving an antidepressant prescription.
Results
Sixty-five percent of respondents described experiencing one or more stressful events or circumstances, with 19 % reporting two and 20% reporting three or more. The most frequently reported stressors identified by participants were categorised as: relationship difficulties (19%), life transitions (19%), losses (18%), work related difficulties (15%) and participantsā own or othersā health issues (15%). Other less frequently reported stressors included isolation, academic difficulties, abuse and violence and financial difficulties.
Conclusion
Findings are that stressful life events or circumstances are significant for a large number of who are given a prescription for antidepressants. It is important for GPs to be aware of significance of these psychosocial stressors in their patientsā lives and make treatment recommendations that address these difficulties. Conclusions need to be interpreted in the light of limitations arising from the sampling method
Attempting to discontinue antipsychotic medication: withdrawal methods, relapse and success
Few studies explore subjective experiences of attempting to discontinue antipsychotic medication, the withdrawal methods people use, or how their efforts affect their outcomes. People who take antipsychotics for off-label purposes are poorly represented in the literature. This study investigates experiences of attempting to discontinue antipsychotics in a cross-sectional sample and explores potential associations between withdrawal methods, relapse, and success. An anonymous online survey was completed by 105 adults who had taken antipsychotics for any reason and had attempted discontinuation at least once. A mixed methods approach was used to interpret the responses. Just over half (55.2%) described successfully stopping for varying lengths of time. Half (50.5%) reported no current use. People across diagnostic groups reported unwanted withdrawal effects, but these were not universal. Withdrawing gradually across more than one month was positively associated, and relapse was negatively associated with both self-defined successful discontinuation and no current use. Gradual withdrawal was negatively associated with relapse during withdrawal. We conclude it is possible to successfully discontinue antipsychotic medication, relapse during withdrawal presents a major obstacle to successfully stopping AMs, and people who withdraw gradually across more than one month may be more likely to stop and to avoid relapse during withdrawal
Long-term antidepressant use: patient perspectives of benefits and adverse effects
Long-term antidepressant treatment has increased and there is evidence of adverse effects; however, little is known about patientsā experiences and views of this form of treatment.This study used mixed methods to examine patientsā views and experiences of long-term antidepressant treatment, including benefits and concerns. Data from 180 patients, who were long-term users of antidepressants (3ā15 years), were extracted from an anonymous online survey of patientsā experiences of antidepressants in New Zealand. Participants had completed rating scales about the effectiveness of antidepressants, levels of depression before and during antidepressant use, quality of life, and perceived adverse effects. Two open-ended questions allowed participants to comment on personal experiences. The majority (89.4%) reported that antidepressants had improved their depression although 30% reported moderate-to-severe depression on antidepressants. Common adverse effects included withdrawal effects (73.5%),
sexual problems (71.8%), and weight gain (65.3%). Adverse emotional effects, such as feeling emotionally numb (64.5%) and addicted (43%), were also common. While the majority of
patients were pleased with the benefits of antidepressant treatment, many were concerned about these adverse effects. Some expressed a need for more information about long-term risks and increased information and support to discontinue
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