title: Perceptions of and attitudes toward antidepressants: stigma attached to their use--a review.
abstract: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether there is any evidence of stigma related to the use of antidepressants. Using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases, we searched for the terms stigma, antidepressants, and depression. A protocol was developed to extract information from the papers, which were identified and explored further. Thirty-two papers were identified. We found that the stigma against depression differs from stigma against the use of antidepressants. Stigma against depression does not impact on therapeutic adherence to antidepressant use. Stigma related to antidepressant use appears to be linked with perceived emotional weakness, severity of illness, an inability to deal with problems, and a lack of belief in the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants. Stigma against medication can be a useful target for interventions, just like the stigma related to depression. However, clinicians must be careful in avoiding the medicalization of symptoms.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Fundação do ABC, Avenida Lauro Gomes 2000, Vila Sacadura Cabral, Santo André, SP, Brazil. jmcmaia2@gmail.com
authors: João Maurício
authors: JM
authors: Castaldelli-Maia
authors: Luciana Burim
authors: LB
authors: Scomparini
authors: Arthur Guerra de
authors: AG
authors: Andrade
authors: Dinesh
authors: D
authors: Bhugra
authors: Tania Corrêa
authors: TC
authors: de Toledo Ferraz Alves
authors: Gilberto
authors: G
authors: D'Elia
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D013240:Stereotyping
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents