Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy (한국임상약학회지)

Korean College Of Clinical Pharmacy (한국임상약학회)
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Perception and Attitude Towards Antidepressants in Koreans

한국인들의 항우울제에 대한 인식 및 태도에 관한 연구

  • Jung, Sae-Jin (Graduate School of Clinical Health Sciences, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Lee, Sang-Soo (Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Gangneung Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Kyung-Eun (College of Pharmacy & Division of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Lee, Byung-Koo (Graduate School of Clinical Health Sciences, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Gwak, Hye-Sun (Graduate School of Clinical Health Sciences, Ewha Womans University)
  • 정새진 (이화여자대학교 임상보건과학대학원) ;
  • 이상수 (국군강릉병원 정신과) ;
  • 이경은 (이화여자대학교 약학대학/생명약학부) ;
  • 이병구 (이화여자대학교 임상보건과학대학원) ;
  • 곽혜선 (이화여자대학교 임상보건과학대학원)
  • Received : 2011.12.12
  • Accepted : 2012.02.06
  • Published : 2012.03.31
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Abstract

Antidepressants are frequently prescribed for a wide range of symptoms. Surveys in several countries have suggested that negative attitudes towards antidepressants are common. However, there has been limited research associated with the attitudes in Korea. Therefore, this quantitative descriptive study describing the perception and attitudes toward antidepressants was performed using healthy people and outpatients who are not taking antidepressants. The surveys by means of self-reporting questionnaires showed negative attitudes towards antidepressants (74.2%). But, 74.2% of above participants gave positive answers to take antidepressants when they are counseled by medical professionals. Higher rates of negative attitudes were found in younger age group ("it causes addiction") and healthy volunteers and urban area groups ("it causes physical harm"). Study participants without experiences in taking antidepressants showed more negative attitudes although the difference was not statistically significant. Based on the results, accurate and objective information about antidepressants needs to be provided by well-trained health professionals.

Keywords

References

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