The demographic data and the responses to the 8 questions in the short-answer questionnaire sent to 572 patients taking an SSRI or TCA antidepressant for at least 6 months was eneterd into the qualitative data analysis software programme, N6 (the programme formerly known as NUD*IST).  I have undertaken a preliminary analysis of the responses and identified some initial themes which were used to present early data findings at the SAPC Annual Conference, Keele 2006, via a poster.

 

The phrases highlighted in bold are the themes that are beginning to be evident within the data and are accompanied by summarised respondents' comments.

 

Meaning of depression to patient

If I mention depression, people look down on me, treat me like a second class citizen.

Paradox of Medication

I have found the medication has helped me to recover.                         

 

I could not face work; I could not bother to cook, I cried until I had tablets.

 

With medication it is now controlled, but the course has been almost life-long, with
peaks and troughs.  

Would like to talk to someone about my fears.         

                        

Antidepressant is only a crutch - not a solution.                            

 

Without medication I could not lead a fairly normal life.

 

I am happy with the medication I am taking at present and pleased that my Doctor
recommends it continue.

 

Coping without medication.

Fear about illness (depression)

I don't want to take medication forever.       

 

If my medication is stopped.             

 

The idea that I am perhaps very inadequate in not being able to cope and having to
take an antidepressant.                    

 

That I will have to stay on medication for life. I don't want to come off them this
time, not yet.           

 

Scared to stop taking the tablets.

 

At the time, it is easy to fear that you will never feel 'normal' again and that your
life will never recover its balance.  

                         

When feeling 'normal' you fear a return to depression, at times of low mood.

 

That I will be unable to cope if I were to come off medication.

 

Coming off medication and ending up at square one.

 

The possibility of stopping medication. 

 

Recurrence.                                                                  

 

The stigma of mental illness because you are judged

Hopes about illness

To eventually come off medication and cope on my own.

 

Come to terms with what caused the depression in the first place.

Locus of control      

I do not fear it. I have got used to it and it can be controlled with medication.    

 

If I don't work hard at my CBT and take my medication it can last a very long time.

 

Going mad, taking my own life.

 

I have got used to it, it can be controlled by medication.

 

I fear losing control of my emotions and being hospitalised.

 

Lack of control

Loss

Self

 

Family

Illness trajectory

Senility, alzheimers

 

Inability to cope

 

Being incapacitated

 

That it may get worse

 

Suffering from dementia as I get older

 

It getting worse

 

Losing my mind

 

It will come back, perhaps worse than before

 

Dementia