Attitudes to pharmacological treatments for depression

摘要

Adherence to pharmacological treatment is necessary to improve the prognosis of people with depression, but half are non-adherent, and views on medication strongly influence adherence. In this study, 25 people with depression were selected and followed at a Brazilian psychiatric clinic that treats moderate to severe depression. Data were collected from 2013 to 2014 from individual, audio-recorded, open interviews. The transcripts were analysed by open, axial and selective coding. People with depression were ambivalent and considered pharmacotherapy as 'a necessary evil'. Depressive symptoms justified the need for pharmacotherapy, but hopelessness, avolition and difficulty in making decisions impaired adherence. Health professionals must promote hope, support and guidance to facilitate conscious and responsible decisions related to treatment.