MEDIA RELEASE – UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND Nov 4
2012
Survey of New Zealanders’ Experiences of
Antidepressants Passes 2,000 Mark
The first survey to ask
New Zealanders about their experiences with antidepressants
has already been responded to by 2,000 people. But the
researchers, from the Department of Psychology at The
University of Auckland, have decided to keep the online
survey running for a few more weeks. “We want as many
people as possible to have their say about these drugs, se
we will keep the survey open until the end of the year”
said Professor John Read, the lead researcher.
One in 11
adults are prescribed anti-depressants every year. While
there is debate amongst researchers and clinicians about the
relative merits of antidepressants, little is known about
how the people who are prescribed the drugs actually
experience them.
“Our approach positions the people who
are prescribed antidepressants as the experts,” explains
one of the researchers Dr Kerry Gibson who is a senior
lecturer in clinical psychology. There has been lots of
research looking at whether antidepressants are effective
but we want to give a voice to those people who have
actually experienced the pros and cons of these drugs. We
see their contribution as a critical part of the debate
about antidepressants.”
“We are interested in finding
out about all the different experiences people have had with
antidepressant medications. We would like to know about
what symptom relief people experienced as well as any side
effects. We are also keen to know their views on what
causes depression” said Gibson.
Anyone currently over
18 who has been prescribed antidepressants in the last five
years is eligible to take part even if they are no longer
taking them. People who have been prescribed antidepressants
but decided not to take them all are also welcome to take
part.
The survey, can be accessed at: http://www.viewsonantidepressants.co.nz/
j.read@auckland.ac.nz
kl.gibson@auckland.ac.nz