title: [Evolution in consumption of anti-depressants during the years 2002 to 2004].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyse the use of antidepressants from 2002 to 2004 and the length of treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional, descriptive study of antidepressant drugs prescribed through the National Health System during 2002-2004.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lleida Health Region, Spain.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 54,890 patients received an antidepressant drug between 2002 and 2004.
  
  
  METHODS
  Age, sex, medicine, prescription period, centre.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of antidepressant treatment was: 8.4% in 2002 (368,976 inhabitants); 8.6% in 2003 (376,638 inhabitants); and 8.7% in 2004 (388,148 inhabitants). The increase in antidepressant treatment in 2004 over 2002 was 9.4%. Prevalence among men was 5.4% and women, 12.7%. The distribution according to antidepressant classes was: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, 73.7%; tricyclic antidepressants, 26.2%; heterocyclic antidepressants, 10%, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, 0.1%. The duration of treatment was 1 to 3 months (43%), 4 to 12 months (22.7%), 13 to 24 months (14.4%), and over 24 months (19.9%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A steady increase in the use of antidepressants is being observed, predominantly new drugs. Regarding the length of treatment, a high proportion of patients are treated for under 4 months, which does not follow recent recommendations in the scientific literature for treatment of depression. This is a major element of inefficiency in the health system.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Atención Primaria. Universidad de Lleida. España. kserna@plleida.scs.es
authors.forename: Catalina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Serna Arnáiz
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Galván Santiago
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gascó Eguíluz
authors.forename: Plácido
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Santafé Soler
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martín Gracia
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vila Parrot
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013030:Spain
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents