title: Why do patients discontinue antidepressant therapy early? A qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Current guidelines for antidepressant prescribing are that treatment should be continued following the resolution of symptoms: six months after a first episode and for at least two years for those with previous episodes. Despite this, sub-optimal treatment duration still predominates. Patients have negative and positive views on antidepressants, which change throughout their treatment journey.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore views and experiences of patients recently initiated on antidepressants (within six months), and to consider the influences on early discontinuation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative interview study was used in four general practices in the North East of Scotland. A purposive sample of primary care patients, newly initiated on antidepressants, was interviewed to explore views and experiences with antidepressant therapy. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted using a consensus coding frame developed by two researchers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-nine patients participated. Three main factors influencing discontinuation were identified: ownership, knowledge and support. The treatment journey was characterized by four important time points where health care intervention may be helpful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care professionals would benefit from exploring patient knowledge and views on depression and antidepressants at an early stage in treatment. Patients would welcome active involvement in treatment decision making, the provision of information and ongoing support.
authors.affiliation: Division of Applied Medicine (Psychiatry), University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen , UK.
authors.forename: Mariesha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jaffray
authors.forename: Amanda H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Cardy
authors.forename: Ian C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Isobel M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Cameron
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003625:Data Collection; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012606:Scotland; D013997:Time Factors; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents
keywords: adherence; antidepressants; attitudes; depression; general practice; stigma