Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an adverse event (as opposed to an adverse reaction, or ‘side effect’)?
- How will a Dictionary of Adverse Events help me?
- Is this website free to use?
- Who is this website for?
- Does this website contain advice or recommendations regarding my health (such as medications)?
- What languages is the Dictionary of Adverse Events available in?
What is an adverse event (as opposed to an adverse reaction, or ‘side effect’)?
An adverse event could be any unwanted symptom we might have after starting a treatment, but it might or might not be caused directly by the treatment (we might have had the adverse event even if we had not taken the medication).
An adverse reaction is a symptom that we think is caused directly by the treatment. This is often called a ‘side effect’ in everyday language.
Adverse event
Any unwanted symptom which could have anycause, but need to report in case it is caused by the treatment.
EXAMPLE
Adverse reaction
Unwanted symptom we think is a direct cause of the treatment.
EXAMPLE
Martin has only experienced nausea a few times in his life. He started antidepressants 3 weeks ago, and in the first week experienced intense nausea. It wore off after the first week. Martin said it was a difficult experience even though his GP warned him this might happen, but he was relieved when it stopped.
How will a Dictionary of Adverse Events help me?
The Dictionary of Adverse Events is the outcome of a collaborative effort between clinicians and researchers at the University of Oxford and people with lived experience (or ‘patients’) of antidepressant treatment for depression. The Dictionary’s patient-friendly terminology of adverse events can be accessed for free by anyone, anywhere with a mobile device or computer and an Internet connection. The Dictionary contains an extensive (but not exhaustive) list of terms that may help patients describe their experience of an adverse event(s) during their treatment journey, and to bring it up for discussion with their doctor.
Is this website free to use?
Yes! This website is absolutely free to use and access by anyone with a mobile device or computer and an Internet connection.
Who is this website for?
The website was designed primarily for those who are being treated with or may start antidepressants prescribed by their doctor (for instance, their general practitioner or psychiatrist). The terms used to describe adverse events were co-designed with those with lived experience of antidepressant treatment, taken for depression. Furthermore, their treating clinicians may also be interested in using this website to facilitate communication and shared decision-making with their patients.
However, the website is freely available and can be accessed by anyone, including those without depression or experience of taking antidepressants, who may be personally, professionally or academically interested in the adverse events of antidepressants.
Does this website contain advice or recommendations regarding my health (such as medications)?
The information contained on this website does not constitute any form of recommendation or advice regarding your health, whether medication-related or not. Please consult your clinician for formal advice or recommendations. In the event of a medical emergency, please contact your local emergency medical services immediately.
What languages is the Dictionary of Adverse Events available in?
The Dictionary is currently available in plain English only, but we may foresee an expansion to include other languages.
