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Women’s Accounts of Their Decision to Quit Taking Antidepressants

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, linda.mcmullen{at}usask.ca

Jennifer Herman

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Over the past 15 years, the rates at which antidepressants are prescribed have increased dramatically. Adherence, however, is often low and considered to be problematic. Using a discursive approach to analyzing interviews with six Canadian women who chose unilaterally to discontinue their use of antidepressants, we focus on three rhetorical strategies used to justify their actions: (a) referencing the actual or potential effects of antidepressants, (b) positioning lay knowledge as superior to expert medical knowledge, and (c) denigrating medical authorities. We argue that these women drew on the responsible-use-of-drugs framework as a way of positioning themselves against potential charges of having engaged in an irrational act.

Key Words: adherence • depression • discourse analysis • medication • women’s health

Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 19, No. 11, 1569-1579 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732309349936


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