Changes in antidepressant medication use in the workplace and sustainable employability: a qualitative study of experiences, strategies and solutions

This study explores patients’ experiences of how antidepressant medication transition events (ceasing, changing or reducing) affect employment and workplace functioning. An anonymous online survey was conducted with adults who had experienced antidepressant medication transition events (AMTEs). Data were analyzed using a hybrid inductive and deductive thematic analysis approach. While a majority of participants perceived many positive impacts of antidepressant medication on their workplace functioning, considerable negative effects during AMTEs were reported. Participants provided practical solutions to assist employers, policy and clinicians. Significant and detrimental impact of antidepressant medication changes occurred in the workplace. There is an urgent need to raise awareness of the vulnerability of people during AMTEs and to develop educational and supportive resources to assist clinicians and practitioners to support people during this vulnerable time.

本研究旨在探索患者视角下，抗抑郁药物调整事件（停药、换药或减药，Antidepressant Medication Transition Events, AMTEs）对其就业与职场功能的影响。研究针对曾经历AMTEs的成年人群开展匿名线上调查，并采用归纳与演绎相结合的混合主题分析方法对数据进行分析。尽管多数参与者认为抗抑郁药物对自身职场功能存在诸多积极影响，但仍有大量参与者报告了在经历AMTEs期间出现的显著负面效应。参与者还提出了可协助雇主、政策制定者及临床医师的实用解决方案。研究发现，抗抑郁药物调整行为会对职场功能产生显著且有害的影响。当前亟需提升社会大众对AMTEs期间人群脆弱性的认知，并开发相关教育与支持资源，以协助临床医师及从业者在这一脆弱阶段为患者提供必要支持。