The Role of Patient Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Depression on Antidepressant Adherence

Abstract

Clinical Scenario: According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2012), more than 350 million persons worldwide suffer from depression. Depression is a treatable condition; however, nearly 50% of patients prematurely discontinue antidepressant therapy (Sansone, & Sansone, 2012). Although many studies have concluded that patient adherence to antidepressants is problematic (Sansone, & Sansone, 2012; Warden et al., 2007; Van Geffen et al., 2011; McMullen & Herman, 2009), few studies have focused on the roles of patient attitudes and beliefs regarding depression as a specific reason for non-adherence to antidepressant treatment.