Parents' Perspectives on Adverse Effects of Pharmacological Treatment of Depression on Parental Functioning

Abstract

BackgroundA substantial number of parents receive pharmacological treatment for depression. Pharmacological treatment is known to reduce symptoms, but has also various side effects.AimThe present study aimed to explore possible adverse effects of pharmacological treatment for depression on parental functioning.MethodSix mothers and four fathers, diagnosed with depression, of children younger than 13 years were recruited via outpatient psychiatric clinics. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsParents described how anxiety suppressants made them fatigued and drowsy which diminished their attention and ability to focus on the child. Moreover, antidepressants and anxiety suppressants were described to cause fatigue, emotional blunting, and restlessness, which made play and stimulation difficult. Emotional blunting, in turn, affected the parents' sense of commitment, empathy, and love for the child. Finally, parents raised concerns about child safety as hypnotics and anxiety suppressants made them unable to wake up at night.ConclusionsConsidering the substantial adverse effects described, parents of minor aged children within psychiatric care needs to be identified in order to offer systematic follow-ups of the effects of pharmacological treatment on parental functioning, and to make adjustments that are feasible from a parent and child perspective.