PROLONGED USE OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND THE IMPACT ON USERS’ QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Depression stands out as one of the main debilitating diseases worldwide, having a significant impact on quality of life in its various dimensions: physical, psychological and social. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of prolonged use of antidepressants on the quality of life of patients with depressive disorders. This study is configured as a descriptive literature review, which used the electronic databases PubMed and SciELO. The results demonstrated a significant relationship between prolonged use of antidepressants and patients' quality of life, showing that medication can, in some cases, improve physical and psychological aspects, but can also be associated with side effects that negatively impact the experience of users' lives. It was identified that adverse effects, such as weight gain, fatigue and sexual dysfunction, were frequently reported, leading to a reduction in treatment adherence. Furthermore, complementary therapeutic strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and self-care practices, have shown promise in mitigating the side effects of antidepressants, suggesting that a combination of interventions can maximize the benefits and improve the quality of life of patients with depressive disorders.