How should we inform patients about antidepressants? A study comparing verbal and written information

Objective. To compare the efficacy of verbal, written and, combined verbal and written information about selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients with depression. Method. Patients with a diagnosis of major depression who were prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (n=104) were randomly allocated to verbal (n=34, 18F 16M), written (n=38, 19F 19 M) and verbal and written information (n=32, 18F 14M) groups, the content of the verbal and written information being exactly the same. Beck depression inventory was used to evaluate the depressive symptoms. Patients were called back after 10-14 days and their retention of the knowledge was measured. Results. The total retention scores of the verbal group, written group and the combined written and verbal group were 12.85±2.19, 7.39±2.85, and 13.19±2.12, respectively. The total scores of the verbal and the combined verbal and written information groups were significantly higher than those of the written group. The information scores had a significant positive correlation with education level. Conclusion. The retention of verbal information given to patients with low levels of depression concerning the effects and side effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors is higher than written information. Further studies with more severely depressed patients, comparing the basal information level and the information level after the intervention and the effect of information on compliance are needed.