Eva Lesén1, Stefan Wiktorsson2, Anders Carlsten3, Margda Waern2, Tove Hedenrud4. 1. Nordic Health Economics AB,Gothenburg,Sweden. 2. Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry,Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology,Sahlgrenska Academy,University of Gothenburg,Gothenburg,Sweden. 3. Medical Products Agency,Uppsala,Sweden. 4. Dept. of Public Health and Community Medicine,Institute of Medicine,Sahlgrenska Academy,University of Gothenburg,Gothenburg,Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of antidepressants is associated with decreased suicide risk in late life, and these drugs are often prescribed after a suicide attempt. Yet little is known about attitudes to antidepressants in older persons with suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to assess beliefs about antidepressant medicines in older persons in treatment one year after a suicide attempt. METHODS: Forty-four individuals aged 70 years and older, who were treated in emergency wards at five hospitals in western Sweden in connection with a suicide attempt, were interviewed at index attempt and one year later. Beliefs about medicines questionnaire (BMQ) specific for antidepressants were analyzed one year after index attempt, in relation to sociodemographic variables, medication use, psychiatric evaluation, and personality traits. RESULTS: The majority of participants perceived the necessity of their antidepressant medicine to outweigh their concerns. Lower perceived necessity of antidepressants was observed in those who were not on antidepressants at the time of the attempt as well as those with no prior history of suicide attempt before the index attempt. Individuals reporting hopelessness at follow-up had a higher perceived concern about using medication. CONCLUSIONS: Beliefs about antidepressants tended to be more positive than negative in older persons taking these drugs in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Further studies are called for, and should include objective measures of medication adherence.
BACKGROUND: The use of antidepressants is associated with decreased suicide risk in late life, and these drugs are often prescribed after a suicide attempt. Yet little is known about attitudes to antidepressants in older persons with suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to assess beliefs about antidepressant medicines in older persons in treatment one year after a suicide attempt. METHODS: Forty-four individuals aged 70 years and older, who were treated in emergency wards at five hospitals in western Sweden in connection with a suicide attempt, were interviewed at index attempt and one year later. Beliefs about medicines questionnaire (BMQ) specific for antidepressants were analyzed one year after index attempt, in relation to sociodemographic variables, medication use, psychiatric evaluation, and personality traits. RESULTS: The majority of participants perceived the necessity of their antidepressant medicine to outweigh their concerns. Lower perceived necessity of antidepressants was observed in those who were not on antidepressants at the time of the attempt as well as those with no prior history of suicide attempt before the index attempt. Individuals reporting hopelessness at follow-up had a higher perceived concern about using medication. CONCLUSIONS: Beliefs about antidepressants tended to be more positive than negative in older persons taking these drugs in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Further studies are called for, and should include objective measures of medication adherence.
Entities:
Keywords:
beliefs about antidepressants; older persons; suicide attempt