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In recent times much media attention has been given to the rising rates of depression
and the subsequent increase of anti-depressant medications.
Given the current statistics, clients presenting for therapy are often taking prescribed
medication for depression. This study seeks to explore the attitudes and opinions of
the psychotherapist in Ireland when working with clients who are taking antidepressants.
A qualitative design was adopted to research this topic. The sample of
participants was selected from the Irish Association of Counsellors and
Psychotherapists (IACP) website. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with
three female and three male psychotherapists. They were all accredited and had
experience of working with clients who are taking prescribed anti-depressant
medication. Results from the transcripts were analysed using qualitative thematic
analysis. Three main themes emerged from this analysis: 1) Conflicted therapists 2)
Therapist’s knowledge of anti-depressant medication and 3) Collaboration with the
medical model.
This study recommends further research in the areas of education and communication
with the medical model. A further topic for exploration would be for large scale,
quantitative research to be carried out in to the many factors which are at play when
psychotherapy and psychotropic medications are combined through the course of
treatment.
