Exploring the Overmedicalisation of Antidepressant Medication: A Mixed-Methods Study Utilising Semi-Structured Interviews and Content Analysis.

Jeffreys-Evans, Morgaine (2026) Exploring the Overmedicalisation of Antidepressant Medication: A Mixed-Methods Study Utilising Semi-Structured Interviews and Content Analysis. Wrexham Nexus: Journal of Research, 1 (1). pp. 53-87. ISSN ISSN 2977-6333 (Print) ISSN 2977-6341(Online)

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Abstract

The medicalisation of mental health has contributed to increasing reliance on antidepressant medication across the United Kingdom, with Wales exhibiting particularly high prescribing rates. This mixed-methods study explores how future mental health practitioners perceive antidepressant use in relation to Welsh Government policy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four psychology students (N = 4) recruited via purposive sampling, and data were analysed using thematic analysis alongside a manifest content analysis of policy documents. Findings suggest partial convergence between policy and participant perspectives in valuing holistic, trauma-informed care; however, differences were identified in perceived implementation. Participants anticipated continued reliance on pharmacological approaches due to systemic pressures, limited psychoeducation, and restricted access to psychological interventions. These findings are exploratory and reflect perceptions rather than direct clinical experience. The study is limited by a small sample size, which, although appropriate for the depth required in thematic analysis conducted alongside content analysis within the given timeframe, restricts generalisability. Additionally, direct prescriber perspectives were not included due to challenges in obtaining NHS ethical approval. To address this limitation, a publicly available open letter authored by Dr Davis and fellow general practitioners was incorporated to contextualise contemporary practitioner concerns regarding the overmedicalisation of mental health in Wales. Future research would benefit from recruiting a larger, medically oriented sample, including practising prescribers, to enhance the applicability and depth of the findings.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Antidepressants, Overmedicalisation, Mixed-methods, Wales, Psychology, Policy
Divisions:	Social and Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Emma Harrison
Date Deposited:	27 May 2026 08:42
Last Modified:	27 May 2026 08:42
URI:	https://wrexham.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18449

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