A survey asking New Zealanders about their experiences with antidepressants has been launched by researchers at Auckland University.

The survey, carried out by the Department of Psychology, is believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Researchers say there has been a steady increase in prescription rates for antidepressants both in New Zealand and around the world in recent years.

One in 11 New Zealand adults are prescribed antidepressants every year but researchers say there is little information about how the people using the drugs actually experience them.

Researcher Dr Kerry Gibson, a senior lecturer in clinical psychology, says although studies have been done on the effectiveness of the drugs, this study is aimed at the pros and cons of usage according to those on the medication.

“Our approach positions the people who are prescribed antidepressants as the experts,” says Ms Gibson

“We are interested in finding out about all the different experiences that people might have had with antidepressant medications. We would like to know about what symptom relief people experienced as well as any side effects they had. We are also keen to know more about their views on what causes depression and how helpful they believe antidepressants are in addressing these." 

The research team want around 1000 people for the online survey.

The survey, “Views and Experiences of Antidepressants in New Zealand”, can be accessed at: http://www.viewsonantidepressants.co.nz

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