Factors associated with antidepressant engagement and discontinuation (FADE) - a national youth survey.
Researchers: Prof Lianne Schmaal, Sengdeuane Chirdchung, Dr. Alexandra Stainton, Dr. Sidhant Chopra
Background
In this project, we want to better understand young people’s experiences with antidepressant medication in Australia, including what it’s like to take them, why some people choose to stop, and what kinds of withdrawal effects they might experience.
Antidepressants are medicines that can help lift mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. There are different types, which work in slightly different ways on the brain’s chemical messengers.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for depression, but can also be prescribed for other mental illnesses, such asanxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressant use and stopping antidepressants can have both positive and negative effects; we are interested in the full range of effects that young people experience.
Who are we looking for?
Any young person aged between 16 and 25 who lives in Australia and has experience using an antidepressant medication can participate in this study.
What is the opportunity?
Learning more about young people’s experiences with antidepressants will help improve future research and ensure youth mental health services are better able to support those who take these medications.
What does the study involve?
Participating in the study involves filling out an online survey, which will take about 10-15 minutes. The survey will ask some general questions about your background, whether you have been diagnosed with a mental disorder and your experiences with taking an antidepressant. If you have ever tried to reduce or stop an antidepressant, we will also ask about the main reasons for stopping/reducing, how you did this and potential side effects you may have experienced while stopping/reducing the antidepressant.
How can I get involved?
Getting involved is easy! If you are aged between 16 and 25, live in Australia and have used or are currently using an antidepressant medication, read more about the study and complete the survey here.
Reimbursement
You can choose to enter a draw to win one of 20, $100 gift cards (redeemable anywhere eftpos is available, Australia wide). The prize draw will take place once we’ve reached our target number of 370 participants, around six months after the survey opens.
Contact
For more information, please contact Prof. Lianne Schmaal: [email protected]
2025-34002-74420-2