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Related Experiment Videos

Older patients' aversion to antidepressants. A qualitative study.

Jane L Givens1, Catherine J Datto, Katy Ruckdeschel

  • 1Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. jagivens@mail.med.upenn.edu

Journal of General Internal Medicine
|December 13, 2005
PubMed
Summary

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Older adults often resist antidepressants due to fears of dependence, viewing depression as non-medical, and concerns about emotional blunting. Understanding these beliefs is key for effective depression treatment in elders.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Psychiatry
  • Mental Health Research
  • Qualitative Health Research

Background:

  • Depression is prevalent in older adults but frequently undertreated.
  • Patient beliefs about antidepressant medications significantly impact treatment adherence.
  • Patient concerns regarding antidepressants are often unvoiced in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the attitudes toward antidepressant medications among depressed, community-dwelling older adults.
  • To explore the reasons behind resistance to antidepressant treatment in an elderly population.

Main Methods:

  • A qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 42 elderly primary care patients (age 60+) diagnosed with depression.
  • Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative coding to identify themes of antidepressant aversion.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Data were drawn from participants in two large clinical trials focused on elderly mental health.

    • Main Results:

    • Four primary themes emerged regarding resistance to antidepressants: fear of medication dependence, reluctance to view depression as a medical condition, concern about blunting natural emotions, and negative past experiences with psychotropic medications.
    • These themes highlight a complex interplay between patients' conceptualization of depression and their specific apprehensions about antidepressants.

    Conclusions:

    • A significant number of older adults exhibit resistance to antidepressant use.
    • Patient concerns reflect their personal understanding of depression and specific fears about antidepressants.
    • Addressing these patient-specific concerns can improve communication and facilitate more effective depression management in elderly individuals.