title: Changes in self-concept while using SSRI antidepressants.
abstract: In this study, the authors analyze how younger women see themselves within the context of using the antidepressants selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Twelve in-depth interviews and 6 reinterviews were conducted with a community-based sample of women who had been taking SSRIs between 1 and 4 years. The empirical analysis revealed that SSRI users passed through stages in their careers as medicine users, these stages corresponding to how the users thought and felt about themselves. Four major changes in self-concept emerged: distressed and needing help, conflicts about taking the medicine, improvements in condition, and problems discontinuing the medicine. Users evaluated themselves from what they believed was the perspective of society, and the way they saw themselves was closely related to how they felt they functioned in everyday life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Pharmacy, Royal Danish School of Pharmacy.
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Knudsen
authors.forename: Ebba Holme
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Janine Morgall
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Traulsen
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Eskildsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003718:Denmark; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011582:Psychological Theory; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012646:Self Administration / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012944:Social Support
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors