The decision to continue or discontinue treatment: experiences and beliefs of users of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors in the initial months--a qualitative study.

Background: Little is known about patients' views on taking selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and their decision-making processes regarding either continuation or discontinuation within a few months of initiating therapy.

Objective: To explore the experiences and beliefs of SSRI users in relation to initiation and execution of treatment, with the intention to identify patterns leading to discontinuation or continuation of treatment.

Methods: Semistructured qualitative interview study.