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Qualitative
Patients with anxiety and depression wanted to know what to expect when they started their medication

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebn.8.1.27

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    Haslam C, Brown S, Atkinson S, et al. Patients’ experiences of medication for anxiety and depression: effects on working life. Fam Pract 2004;21:204–12.OpenUrlCrossRefPubMedWeb of Science

    Q How do mental health problems and treatment of these problems affect working life?

    DESIGN

    Qualitative study using focus groups.

    SETTING

    Leicestershire, UK.

    PATIENTS

    12 focus groups. 9 groups of patients who had anxiety and/or depression in the previous 2 years and used medication (6 groups: 35 patients [28–60 y, 63% women] from various work sectors; 3 groups: 19 patients [18–63 y, 74% women] attending anxiety management courses). 3 groups of 20 staff who had responsibility for human resources, personnel, and occupational health and safety (age not reported, 65% women).

    METHODS

    Each focus group session (approximately 90 min) was audiotaped and transcribed. Transcripts were analysed by sorting verbatim material into emergent themes using Knodel’s method. An expert panel reviewed the findings to discuss implications for practice.

    MAIN FINDINGS

    Impact on working life. Participants shared how their families, friends, or colleagues often recognised their depression or anxiety symptoms first. Typically, participants were unaware until a crisis occurred. Symptoms included nausea, headache, dizziness, trembling, lack of energy, tiredness, lack of concentration, extremes of …

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    Footnotes

    • For correspondence: Professor C Haslam, Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. Cheryl.Haslamnottingham.ac.uk

    • Source of funding: Health and Safety Executive.