View Item 
        •   Utrecht University Student Theses Repository Home
        • UU Theses Repository
        • Theses
        • View Item
        •   Utrecht University Student Theses Repository Home
        • UU Theses Repository
        • Theses
        • View Item
        JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

        Browse

        All of UU Student Theses RepositoryBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

        The experiences and perspectives of patients who use or have used antidepressants regarding the antidepressant discontinuation process: a qualitative study

        Thumbnail
        View/Open
        Article Research Project Frederique Claessens FAMA203.pdf (550.8Kb)
        Publication date
        2024
        Author
        Claessens, Frederique
        Metadata
        Show full item record
        Summary
        Background: Discontinuation of antidepressants possibly involves risks for patients such as experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Therefore patients should be properly guided and educated by health care providers (HCPs) in this process. The aim was to assess patients’ perspectives and needs who use or have used antidepressants regarding the antidepressant discontinuing process. Methods: Six semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with patients who use or have used antidepressants for at least six months. These interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded openly with MAXQDA and thematically analyzed. Results: Themes that emerged from the interviews, were in relation to perceptions and relations, expectations, reasons, initiative for discontinuation, education and guidance. It appeared that these factors influenced the decision-making in patients and therefore influenced the course of their discontinuation process. They made suggestions for improvement in these areas. Conclusion: The needs of patients for guidance during the process of discontinuation of antidepressants are not fully met yet. There is a lack of initiative, knowledge and time of HCP’s. Education and guidance should involve perceptions, expectations and good relationships. Future research should prospectively examine whether adapting patients' wishes affects being able to discontinue successfully.
        URI
        https://studenttheses.uu.nl/handle/20.500.12932/45976
        Collections
        • Theses
        Utrecht university logo