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The compliance with antidepressants in general practice
J C Maddox1, M Levi, C Thompson
1University Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, Graham Road, Southampton, UK.
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|February 3, 2012
Summary
Many patients do not complete their antidepressant prescriptions, often without informing their doctor. Side effects significantly impact antidepressant compliance, highlighting a need for better management strategies in general practice.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- General Practice
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antidepressant compliance in general practice has been suboptimal, with limited recent research.
- Improvements in general practice training and new antidepressant classes necessitate updated compliance data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess antidepressant compliance rates in general practice.
- To identify factors associated with non-compliance.
- To compare compliance between different antidepressant classes.
Main Methods:
- A study interviewed 46 patients 10-12 weeks after starting a new antidepressant.
- Data collected included medication adherence, reasons for discontinuation, and side effect burden.
- Prescribed dosages were compared against evidence-based recommendations.
Main Results:
- 32% of patients discontinued antidepressants within 6 weeks.
- 63% of those discontinuing did not inform their general practitioner (GP).
- Side effect burden was significantly linked to non-compliance.
Conclusions:
- Antidepressant non-compliance remains a significant issue in general practice.
- Side effects are a key driver of non-compliance.
- Further research is needed to improve compliance monitoring and enhancement strategies.
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