title: Adverse emotional and interpersonal effects reported by 1829 New Zealanders while taking antidepressants.
abstract: In the context of rapidly increasing antidepressant use internationally, and recent reviews raising concerns about efficacy and adverse effects, this study aimed to survey the largest sample of AD recipients to date. An online questionnaire about experiences with, and beliefs about, antidepressants was completed by 1829 adults who had been prescribed antidepressants in the last five years (53% were first prescribed them between 2000 and 2009, and 52% reported taking them for more than three years). Eight of the 20 adverse effects studied were reported by over half the participants; most frequently Sexual Difficulties (62%) and Feeling Emotionally Numb (60%). Percentages for other effects included: Feeling Not Like Myself - 52%, Reduction In Positive Feelings - 42%, Caring Less About Others - 39%, Suicidality - 39% and Withdrawal Effects - 55%. Total Adverse Effect scores were related to younger age, lower education and income, and type of antidepressant, but not to level of depression prior to taking antidepressants. The adverse effects of antidepressants may be more frequent than previously reported, and include emotional and interpersonal effects.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Whelan Building, Ground Floor, Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK. Electronic address: readj@liv.ac.uk.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Read
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cartwright
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D057566:Self Report; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents
keywords: Adverse effects; Antidepressants; Depression