Long-term antidepressant use: patient perspectives of benefits and adverse effects
Open accessAbstract
Long-term antidepressant treatment has increased and there is evidence of adverse effects; however, little is known about patients' experiences and views of this form of treatment. This study used mixed methods to examine patients' views and experiences of long-term antidepressant treatment, including benefits and concerns. Data from 180 patients, who were long-term users of antidepressants (3-15 years), were extracted from an anonymous online survey of patients' experiences of antidepressants in New Zealand. Participants had completed rating scales about the effectiveness of antidepressants, levels of depression before and during antidepressant use, quality of life, and perceived adverse effects. Two open-ended questions allowed participants to comment on personal experiences. The majority (89.4%) reported that antidepressants had improved their depression although 30% reported moderate-to-severe depression on antidepressants. Common adverse effects included withdrawal effects (73.5%), sexual problems (71.8%), and weight gain (65.3%). Adverse emotional effects, such as feeling emotionally numb (64.5%) and addicted (43%), were also common. While the majority of patients were pleased with the benefits of antidepressant treatment, many were concerned about these adverse effects. Some expressed a need for more information about long-term risks and increased information and support to discontinue.
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In preclinical animal models, like in humans, traditional monoaminergic antidepressants require chronic administration to achieve robust efficacy.
“In preclinical animal models, like in humans, traditional monoaminergic antidepressants require chronic administration to achieve robust efficacy”
From Psychedelics and Other Psychoplastogens for Treating Mental Illness. (2021) · cites this paper as [298]
The Introduction discusses continuation and maintenance treatment in humans, and the study examines patients’ experiences of long-term use. Searches for preclinical animal models and for a need for chronic dosing before antidepressants become effective found no passage addressing either point; maintenance treatment after remission is a different question. (LLM, conf=0.77)
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References 26 · Cited by 242
Research works printed but not linked: 18
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- Authors
- Cartwright, C., Gibson, K., Read, J., Cowan, O., & Dehar, T.
- Affiliations
- University of Auckland (NZ)
- University of East London (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Cartwright, Claire
- Venue
- Patient Preference and Adherence
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2016-07
- Volume
- Volume 10
- Pages
- 1401-1407
- ISSN
- 1177-889X (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC4970636
- OpenAlex
- W2496593060
- Cited by
- 242
- References
- 26
- Citations by year
- 2026: 26 · 2025: 43 · 2024: 38 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 26 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 20 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 5
- FWCI
- 8.36
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Patient Preference and Adherence (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- UEL Research Repository (University of East London) (acceptedVersion)
- UEL Research Repository (University of East London) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Dove Medical Press (Taylor and Francis Group) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- ResearchSpace (University of Auckland) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Family Practice › Medication Adherence and Compliance
- Keywords
- long-term antidepressant use, patient perspectives, antidepressant side effects, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, emotional numbness, depression, quality of life, treatment discontinuation, patient information and support
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