Published
I have a patient who has been diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety, understands the diagnosis, is alert, oriented and otherwise reasonable in demeanor but absolutely flat out refuses to take an antidepressant to help themselves. I've asked this person why they won't (side effect concerns? cost?) and this patient cannot tell me why other than "everything I read about them says they don't work or is negative and I do have good days here and there." This patient is not trying to be difficult, attention seeking by non-compliance - he really does not know why he is so opposed except the basis of what he has read on the internet or in magazines. He even admitted he knows people who have been or are on SSRI's or SNRI's that have been helped by them. Before seeking treatment he said he used over the counter and natural type products but things just got worse. I don't know how to get through to him or even if I can. I've told him more people are likely to write about a negative experience than a positive one and studies have shown the medications are effective but he continues to refuse. Any suggestions?