Factors impacting decisions to decline or adhere to antidepressant medication in perinatal women with mood and anxiety disorders

Partner support for women's antidepressant treatment and its association with depressive symptoms in pregnant women, mothers, and women planning pregnancy

PURPOSE

To examine the association between partner support for women's antidepressant treatment and depressive symptoms in pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, and mothers who ever used antidepressants.

METHODS

We included 334 women (n=44 planners, n=182 pregnant, n=108 mothers) ever treated with antidepressants within the HEALTHx2 study, a web-based cross-sectional study conducted across Norway in June 2020 to June 2021. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and two questions of the Patient Health Questionnaire measured depressive symptoms, by degree of severity and for depressed mood, anxiety, and anhedonia sub-dimensions. Partner support was measured using one item from the Antidepressant Compliance Questionnaire. Association was estimated via unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Being unsupported by the partner was associated with increased odds of reporting moderate-to-very-severe depressive symptoms in mothers (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-12.19) and pregnant women (aOR, 3.26; 95% CI, 0.95-11.14), relative to being supported. Pregnant women (adjusted mean difference (β), 0.76; 95% CI, 0.14-1.38) and mothers (β, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.23-1.64) with no support for their antidepressant treatment presented greater symptoms of anhedonia; for women planning pregnancy, this association emerged in relation to anxiety symptoms (β among non-users of antidepressant, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.04-4.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Partner support for women's antidepressant treatment may play a key role in depressive symptoms severity and the subtypes of anhedonia and anxiety, among women planning pregnancy, pregnant women, and mothers. This highlights the importance of partner inclusion in the complex decision-making process for antidepressant treatment around the time of pregnancy.

Optimising Fluvoxamine Maternal/Fetal Exposure during Gestation: A Pharmacokinetic Virtual Clinical Trials Study

Fluvoxamine plasma concentrations have been shown to decrease throughout pregnancy. CYP2D6 polymorphisms significantly influence these changes. However, knowledge of an optimum dose adjustment according to the CYP2D6 phenotype is still limited. This study implemented a physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling approach to assess the gestational changes in fluvoxamine maternal and umbilical cord concentrations. The optimal dosing strategies during pregnancy were simulated, and the impact of CYP2D6 phenotypes on fluvoxamine maternal and fetal concentrations was considered. A significant decrease in fluvoxamine maternal plasma concentrations was noted during gestation. As for the fetal concentration, a substantial increase was noted for the poor metabolisers (PM), with a constant level in the ultrarapid (UM) and extensive (EM) metabolisers commencing from gestation week 20 to term. The optimum dosing regimen suggested for UM and EM reached a maximum dose of 300 mg daily at gestational weeks (GW) 15 and 35, respectively. In contrast, a stable dose of 100 mg daily throughout gestation for the PM is sufficient to maintain the fluvoxamine plasma concentration within the therapeutic window (60-230 ng/mL). Dose adjustment during pregnancy is required for fluvoxamine, particularly for UM and EM, to maintain efficacy throughout the gestational period.

Perceived risk of neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring related to psychotropic and mental illness exposures in pregnancy and breastfeeding: a cross-sectional survey of women with past or current mental illness

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the perceived risk of psychotropic and mental illness exposures (1) during pregnancy or (2) while breastfeeding on offspring neurodevelopment, and factors associated with this perception in women with past/current mental illness.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, web-based study.

SETTING

Nationwide in Norway, June 2020-June 2021.

PARTICIPANTS

Women aged 18-55 years who were pregnant, recent mothers or planning a pregnancy, and had been offered antidepressants in the last 5 years.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Perceived risk of prenatal and breastmilk exposure to psychotropic medications and maternal mental illness on offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 448 women: 234 pregnant, 146 mothers and 68 planning a pregnancy. On a 0-10 scale, women perceived antidepressants as least harmful both (1) in pregnancy (mean score 4.2, 95% CI 3.6 to 4.8) and (2) while breastfeeding (mean score 3.8, 95% CI 3.3 to 4.4), relative to antipsychotics, anxiety/sleeping medication or antiepileptics (mean score range: 6.3-6.5 during pregnancy, 5.5-6.2 while breastfeeding). Many participants were unfamiliar with psychotropics other than antidepressants. The perceived risk of mental illness exposure exceeded that of antidepressants (mean score range 5.6-5.9) in both exposure periods. Using general linear models, factors associated with greater antidepressant risk perception in both exposure periods included having lower education, non-Norwegian native language, and employment status (range mean score difference (β): 2.07-6.07). For pregnant women and mothers, there was an inverse association between perceived risk and the perceived antidepressant effectiveness in both exposure periods (range of β: -0.18 to -0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

In women with past/current mental illness, the perceived risk of antidepressant exposure on child neurodevelopment was lower than that for maternal mental illness. Other psychotropic medications were perceived as more harmful. As medication risk perception influences the decision-making regarding treatment of mental illness, pre- and pregnancy counselling should target women with characteristics associated with higher perceived risk.

Antidepressant use During Pregnancy: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Decision-Making of Patients and Providers

INTRODUCTION

Despite the risks associated with untreated perinatal depression and anxiety, both patients and clinicians are less likely to follow evidence-based guidelines including the use of antidepressants during pregnancy. The aim of this integrative review was to describe the perspectives of both patients and prescribing health care providers regarding the use of antidepressants during pregnancy.

METHODS

We performed a literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest Central, and PsychINFO. Inclusion criteria were English language, original peer-reviewed research published within the previous 10 years that described perspectives regarding the use of antidepressants of pregnant patients or prescribing providers during pregnancy. Studies were excluded if their focus was on screening practices, treatment guidelines, or evaluation of decision support tool; medication or treatment broadly; bipolar disorder or serious mental illness; or they did not provide patient or provider perspective. This review was limited to professionals with scopes of practice that include prescriptive authority (eg, physicians, advanced practices nurses, midwives). Included articles were critically appraised and read in an iterative process to extract methodological details and synthesize findings.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies met criteria for inclusion and varied by design, sample, and quality. Together, the reviewed articles suggest that patients and prescribing providers hold a range of beliefs regarding the safety of antidepressant during pregnancy. Patients and providers appear to value different sources of information and varied in awareness of the negative impacts of untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Many patients report dissatisfaction with available information and distress throughout the decision-making experience. Notably, patients and providers had incongruent perceptions of the others' experience.

DISCUSSION

Inconsistencies between knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making highlight the need for improved dissemination of evidence-based treatments and support increased training for psychopharmacology during pregnancy. Efforts to reduce patient distress regarding their decisions, such as adequate time and information, are indicated.

Lack of psychotropic medication changes among mood disordered women across the peripartum period

OBJECTIVE

Peripartum depression is a leading contributor to peripartum morbidity and mortality. Despite the evidence for relative safety, many patients and providers remain reluctant to use or modify psychotropics in the peripartum period. We hypothesized that depressed women in the peripartum period taking psychiatric medications would not experience dose adjustments.

METHODS

Women with a prior history of either Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Affective Disorder were followed through pregnancy and the postpartum period (N = 229). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a score ≥ 13 indicating likely depression. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Antepartum depression was more common than postpartum depression (PPD; 29% vs. 20%); 38% of women with antepartum depression also had PPD. Regression analysis revealed that, although depressed women in pregnancy were not more likely to have a dose adjustment than nondepressed women (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.8-4.6), depressed women in the postpartum were more likely to receive a medication change than nondepressed women (OR: 6.3, 95% CI: 2.0-20.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In a naturalistic study, more medication adjustments for depression occurred in the postpartum than in pregnancy. This may indicate that antepartum depression is undertreated.

Treating Anxiety During Pregnancy: Patient Concerns About Pharmaceutical Treatment

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the current study was to describe anxious pregnant women's concerns about using pharmacotherapy to treat anxiety symptoms, and the relationship of such concerns to women's willingness to use pharmacotherapy during pregnancy.

METHODS

Between April 2011 and May 2012, 148 women who were pregnant and reported elevated anxiety symptoms, as measured by the GAD-2, completed an online survey assessing their concerns about, and willingness to use, pharmacotherapy to treat anxiety symptoms during pregnancy. Qualitative responses were coded, and linear regression was used to assess the relationship between concerns and willingness.

RESULTS

Pregnant women with elevated anxiety symptoms reported low willingness to use pharmacotherapy to treat anxiety symptoms during pregnancy. The most common concerns reported were about negative effects on the baby or the self, and a general opposition to taking any medications during pregnancy. These concerns were significantly related to women's willingness to try pharmacotherapy (ps < .016).

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the importance of a pregnant woman's perceptions of potential side-effects and long-term effects of pharmacotherapy, both for herself and her offspring. These results point to specific factors that may be important to address in communication with patients about pharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders during pregnancy. Such an understanding may help clinicians provide more effective guidance and information about treatment options for anxiety disorders during pregnancy, and increase patients' willingness to engage in those treatments.

Maternal anxiety, depression and asthma and adverse pregnancy outcomes - a population based study

To evaluate associations between maternal anxiety or depression and adverse pregnancy outcomes, taking possible familial confounding and interaction with asthma into account, we conducted a cohort study of all singleton births in Sweden 2001–2013. We retrieved information about pregnancy, diagnoses of anxiety/depression, asthma, and prescribed medication from the Swedish Medical Birth, National Patient, and Prescribed Drug Registers. We estimated associations with regression models, performed cousin and sibling comparisons, and calculated interactions. In 950 301 identified pregnancies; 5.9% had anxiety/depression and 4.0% had asthma. Anxiety/depression was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g. preeclampsia, adjusted Odds Ratio 1.17 (95% Confidence Interval 1.12, 1.22), instrumental delivery (1.14 (1.10, 1.18)), elective (1.62 (1.57, 1.68)) and emergency (1.32 (1.28, 1.35)) caesarean section (CS)). Their children had lower birth weight (−54 g (−59, −49)) and shorter gestational age (−0.29 weeks (−0.31, −0.28)). Associations were not confounded by familial factors and asthma did not modify the effect of anxiety/depression for outcomes other than elective CS, p < 0.001. In women with anxiety/depression diagnosis, untreated women had higher odds of elective CS compared to women on medication (1.30 (1.17, 1.43)). In conclusion, anxiety/depression should be considered when evaluating pregnant women’s risk of complications such as preeclampsia and non-vaginal deliveries.

Antidepressants and recurrence of depression in the postpartum period

To examine postpartum recurrence rates of depression comparing women receiving antidepressant treatment to women not being treated with psychotropic medication. This was a prospective study of 130 women with major depressive disorder (MDD) who attended a tertiary care perinatal clinic during and after pregnancy. Depression recurrence was defined as a score of 13 or more on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or a score of greater than 13 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Over half of women (56.9%) were not receiving medication during pregnancy to treat their mood disorder, with the rate of medication use increasing over the 1-year postpartum period. When comparing women being treated with antidepressant medication (monotherapy or combination therapy) to women receiving no psychotropic medication, no significant differences in recurrence rates were observed during the postpartum period. However, we did observe that the occurrence of depression in our sample fluctuated between rates comparable to general population estimates to rates that were at times more than twofold higher, regardless of treatment with antidepressant medication. The findings of this study align with research which suggests that the postpartum period is a particularly vulnerable time for recurrence of depression. Moreover, our results suggest that this remains the case regardless of antidepressant treatment.

Women's decision making about antidepressant use during pregnancy: A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Depression is common, particularly among women of childbearing age, and can have far-reaching negative consequences if untreated. Efficacious treatments are available, but little is known about how women make depression treatment decisions during pregnancy. The purpose of this narrative review is to interpretively synthesize literature on women's decision making (DM) regarding antidepressant use during pregnancy.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched between May 2015 and August 2017 for peer-reviewed, English-language papers using terms such as "depression," "pregnancy," and "DM." The literature matrix abstraction method was used to systematically abstract data from full articles that met criteria for inclusion.

RESULTS

Of the articles abstracted (N = 10), half did not cite a DM theory on which the work was based. Key aspects of DM for this population were need for information and decision support, desire for active participation in DM, reflection on beliefs and values, evaluation of treatment option sequelae, and societal expectations. Treatment DM for depression during pregnancy is particularly impacted by the stigma associated with depression and societal expectations of pregnant women related to medication use during pregnancy. These findings, however, were based on studies of predominantly Caucasian and well-educated women.

CONCLUSIONS

Women require a nonjudgmental environment, in which shared DM feels safe, to foster positive DM experiences and outcomes. Future research is needed to define how to best support women to make depression treatment decisions in pregnancy, with particular attention to DM in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Association between CYP2D6 Genotypes and the Risk of Antidepressant Discontinuation, Dosage Modification and the Occurrence of Maternal Depression during Pregnancy

Importance: Polymorphic expression of drug metabolizing enzymes affects the metabolism of antidepressants, and thus can contribute to drug response and/or adverse events. Pregnancy itself can affect CYP2D6 activity with profound variations determined by CYP2D6 genotype. Objective: To investigate the association between CYP2D6 genotype and the risk of antidepressant discontinuation, dosage modification, and the occurrence of maternal CYP2D6, Antidepressants, Depression during pregnancy. Setting: Data from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) Antidepressants in Pregnancy Cohort, 2006-2010, were used. Women were eligible if they were within 14 completed weeks of pregnancy at recruitment and exposed to an antidepressant or having any exposures considered non-teratogenic. Main Outcomes and Measures: Gestational antidepressant usage was self-reported and defined as continuous/discontinued use, and non-use; dosage modification was further documented. Maternal depression and anxiety were measured every trimester using the telephone interviewer-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Saliva samples were collected and used for CYP2D6 genotype analyses. Logistic regression models were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 246 pregnant women were included in the study. The majority were normal metabolizers (NM, n = 204, 83%); 3.3% (n = 8) were ultrarapid metabolizers (UM), 5.7% (n = 14) poor metabolizers (PM), and 8.1% (n = 20) intermediate metabolizers (IM). Among study subjects, 139 women were treated with antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy, and 21 antidepressant users (15%) discontinued therapy during pregnancy. Adjusting for depressive symptoms, and other potential confounders, the risk of discontinuing antidepressants during pregnancy was nearly four times higher in slow metabolizers (poor or intermediate metabolizers) compared to those with a faster metabolism rate (normal or ultrarapid metabolizers), aOR = 3.57 (95% CI: 1.15-11.11). Predicted CYP2D6 metabolizer status did not impact dosage modifications. Compared with slow metabolizers, significantly higher proportion of women in the fast metabolizer group had depressive symptom in the first trimester (19.81 vs. 5.88%, P = 0.049). Almost 21% of treated women remained depressed during pregnancy (14.4% NM-UM; 6.1% PM-IM). Conclusions and Relevance: Prior knowledge of CYP2D6 genotype may help to identify pregnant women at greater risk of antidepressant discontinuation. Twenty percent of women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy remained depressed, indicating an urgent need for personalized treatment of depression during pregnancy.

Predicting Factors of Depression, Antidepressant Use and Positive Response to Antidepressants in Perinatal and Postpartum Women

Background:

In the United States, there is a disparity in knowledge of nationwide depression prevalence, the antidepressant use and the antidepressant responses during perinatal/postpartum periods.

Objective:

This study investigated the predicting factors of depression, antidepressant use and positive antidepressant response during the perinatal/postpartum periods.

Method:

The 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were combined to identify adult pregnant women, those within the 18-month postpartum period (n=492) and their depression statuses via demographics, health care accessibility, antidepressant use and illicit drug use information. The characteristics of different study groups were compared (depression versus no-depression groups, antidepressant users versus non-antidepressant users, and antidepressant responders versus antidepressant non-responders). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to predict factors of perinatal depression (PND)/ postpartum depression (PPD), antidepressant use and antidepressant positive response in PND/PPD.

Results:

PND/PPD individuals had higher rates of mental health visits. No predicting factor for developing PND/PPD was shown. Antidepressant users were significantly older with insurance and recent health checkups/ mental visits. Being below the poverty level and having some health care accessibility are predictors for being on antidepressants. Recent non-illicit drug use is a predictor for PND/PPD symptom improvement while on antidepressants.

Conclusion:

The group of those with social-economic disadvantages was more likely to be on antidepressants for PND/PPD. Illicit drug users were less likely to show improvement with antidepressants. The safety and efficacy of antidepressant use during this period is controversial. More studies need to focus on the barriers involving antidepressant treatments, the safety and outcomes of antidepressants for PND/PPD management.

Predictors of Recovery from Depression and Anxiety in Women: A Longitudinal Study from Childbirth to 6 Years

OBJECTIVE

This study prospectively examined maternal biopsychosocial predictors of recovery from comorbid depression and anxiety from 25 weeks' gestation to 6 years postbirth. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of 1) maternal factors and 2) the child's behaviours and physical health on the course of the mother's depressed mood and anxiety.

METHODS

Eighty-six women diagnosed with antenatal depression/anxiety were recruited through the Reproductive Mental Health Program and family practices in Vancouver. Based on the trajectory and status of their symptom remission, participants were categorised into 3 groups: full recovery, partial recovery, and no recovery. The following measures were completed over 6 years: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at baseline; Parental Stress Index (PSI) added at 6 months postpartum; Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at 3 years postbirth; and HAM-A, HAM-D, MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire (HBQ-P), and PSI at 6 years postbirth.

RESULTS

Factors that predicted full recovery from depression included the absence of maternal health concerns, low total parental stress, and few child behavioural issues, whereas low levels of spousal stress were a significant factor in achieving full recovery from anxiety.

CONCLUSION

A variety of maternal and child-related factors govern full recovery or sustained remission of depression/anxiety in the postpartum up to 6 years postbirth. Early awareness of these predictors could lead to timely interventions, ensuring long-term maternal-child well-being.

Antenatal depression: Prevalence and risk factor patterns across the gestational period

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of antenatal depression (AD) among pregnant women varies according to the populations under study and the periods of evaluation. This paper investigated patterns of AD prevalence and risk factors in a Brazilian sample.

METHODS

Using semi-structured interviews as well as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus (MINI), 148 pregnant women were assessed in their second and third trimesters. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the prevalence of and the significant risk factors for AD across both trimesters (p<0.05).

RESULTS

The prevalence of AD using the MINI was 13.5% and 10.1% in the second and third trimester, respectively. Prevalence rates using the symptom scales were even higher. In our bivariate analysis, lifetime major depression was the main AD risk factor (p<0.001), along with the number of sons (p=0.02) and intimate partner abuse (p=0.03). After adjustment for confounding factors, only lifetime major depression (p<0.001) and intimate partner abuse (p=0.02) remained as independent risk factors. There were no statistically significant differences in the AD prevalence rates and risk factors found when comparing across trimesters.

LIMITATIONS

The study is limited by possible selection bias introduced by the method of recruitment and the number of women lost to follow up.

CONCLUSION

AD prevalence rates found are close to the worldwide rates. Lifetime major depression was the main risk factor for AD in our study.

Patterns and factors associated with low adherence to psychotropic medications during pregnancy--a cross-sectional, multinational web-based study

BACKGROUND

No previous studies have explored how closely women follow their psychotropic drug regimens during pregnancy. This study aimed to explore patterns of and factors associated with low adherence to psychotropic medication during pregnancy.

METHODS

Multinational web-based study was performed in 18 countries in Europe, North America, and Australia. Uniform data collection was ensured via an electronic questionnaire. Pregnant women were eligible to participate. Adherence was measured via the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The Beliefs about Prescribed Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ-specific), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and a numeric rating scale were utilized to measure women's beliefs, depressive symptoms, and antidepressant risk perception, respectively. Participants reporting use of psychotropic medication during pregnancy (n = 160) were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

On the basis of the MMAS-8, 78 of 160 women (48.8%, 95% CI: 41.1-56.4%) demonstrated low adherence during pregnancy. The rates of low adherence were 51.3% for medication for anxiety, 47.2% for depression, and 42.9% for other psychiatric disorders. Smoking during pregnancy, elevated antidepressant risk perception (risk≥6), and depressive symptoms were associated with a significant 3.9-, 2.3-, and 2.5-fold increased likelihood of low medication adherence, respectively. Women on psychotropic polytherapy were less likely to demonstrate low adherence. The belief that the benefit of pharmacotherapy outweighed the risks positively correlated (r = .282) with higher medication adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one of two pregnant women using psychotropic medication demonstrated low adherence in pregnancy. Life-style factors, risk perception, depressive symptoms, and individual beliefs are important factors related to adherence to psychotropic medication in pregnancy.

Family history, not lack of medication use, is associated with the development of postpartum depression in a high-risk sample

We sought to determine clinical predictors of postpartum depression (PPD), including the role of medication, in a sample of women followed prospectively during and after pregnancy. Women with a history of mood disorder were recruited and evaluated during each trimester and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum. DSM-IV criteria for a major depressive episode were assessed by a psychiatric interview at each time point. Sixty-three women with major depression and 30 women with bipolar disorder entered the study and 75.4 % met DSM-IV criteria for a MDE during pregnancy, postpartum, or both. We modeled depression in a given time period (second trimester, third trimester, or 1 month postpartum) as a function of medication use during the preceding period (first, second, or third trimester). The odds of being depressed for those who did not use medication in the previous period was approximately 2.8 times that of those who used medication (OR 2.79, 95 % CI 1.38-5.66, p = 0.0048). Of 38 subjects who were psychiatrically well during the third trimester, 39.5 % (N = 15) met the criteria for a MDE by 4 weeks postpartum. In women who developed PPD, there was a high rate of a family history of PPD (53.3 %) compared to women who did not develop PPD (11.8 %, p = 0.02). While the use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy reduced the odds of being depressed overall, the use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy may not protect against PPD in women at high risk, particularly those with a family history of PPD.

Factors predicting adherence to antidepressant treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Poor adherence and discontinuation of treatment are the major challenges of pharmacotherapy among patients with depression. This article reviews the factors predicting adherence to and persistence of antidepressant treatment identified in recent years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Study populations have been extended to subgroups of patients with depression or depressive patients with comorbid medical conditions. Some studies have investigated the issues by analysing medical claims databases. Socio-demographic variables, clinical features of depression, comorbidities, pharmacological factors, attitudes towards antidepressants, previous experiences of antidepressant treatment, patient-professional relationship and genes were found to be common factors. An older age, positive attitudes to antidepressants and previous experiences and vicarious experiences of depression or treatment were found to be factors predicting better adherence or persistence. Conversely, patients in minority groups, those with a low family income, pregnancy, experience of side effects, dissatisfaction with treatment and a poor patient-professional relationship were found to be associated with poorer adherence or persistence.

SUMMARY

The factors predicting adherence and persistence are complex and interactive. Different methods of studies have limitations in terms of exploring all these factors. Future studies should integrate these factors simultaneously and explore specific factors predicting adherence and persistence among subgroups of patients with depression.