Observation of treatment of depression in primary care setting in first week - what happens in first week of treatment with antidepressants?
Dernovsek, M.Z.; Tavcar, R.; Sajovic, M.
Psychiatria Danubina 20(2): 227-230
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0353-5053 PMID: 18587295 Document Number: 620450
Depression is frequently diagnosed and treated by general practicioners. In observational study we investigated the influence of the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms on the frequency of patients' questions about mental disorder and their tendency to misinterpret the signs and symptoms of depression as side effects of medication. In 60 public health centers across Slovenia a total of 422 patients with depression treated with paroxetine were included. After one week of treatment one quarter of patients reported adverse effects and 15% of these patients misinterpreted signs of depression and anxiety for adverse effects. These patients tend to be more anxious and more depressed at the beginning of treatment. Half of them could not accept the explanation of their misinterpretation. A total of 55% patients had additional questions about illness at the second visit and these patients were also more anxious and more depressed at the beginning of treatment.