Patients' Perspectives on Antidepressant Discontinuation and the Pharmacists' Role

Antidepressant (AD) discontinuation care asks for tailored support and alignment with patients' expectations, needs and wishes. However, studies on patients' experiences and perspectives regarding the contribution of the pharmacist to AD discontinuation care are limited. The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of patients' perspectives regarding guidance during AD discontinuation and patients' views on the contribution of the pharmacist. A qualitative, explorative study was conducted with 15 semistructured face-to-face and video call interviews. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years and current or past use of ADs. The audiotapes were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed by two researchers. The following four themes were identified: (1) experiences with ad use and discontinuation, (2) attitudes and behaviour towards AD discontinuation, (3) expectations and perceptions towards AD discontinuation and (4) needs regarding AD discontinuation. False beliefs about ADs and past negative experiences with AD discontinuation shape beliefs of patients that amount to a reluctance to discontinue ADs. The most urgent needs of patients were timely receiving guidance, including clear and relevant information from accessible, knowledgeable and trustable healthcare providers (HCPs). Pharmacists' easy accessibility, pharmacotherapeutic knowledge, expertise and capabilities should be put to use, as they may help meeting patients' needs on AD discontinuation.