[Evolution in consumption of anti-depressants during the years 2002 to 2004].
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.
Serna Arnáiz
Catalina
C
Servicio de Atención Primaria. Universidad de Lleida. España. kserna@plleida.scs.es
Galván Santiago
Leonardo
L
Gascó Eguíluz
Eduardo
E
Santafé Soler
Plácido
P
Martín Gracia
Elisabeth
E
Vila Parrot
Teresa
T
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
D000928:Antidepressive Agents