Sociodemographic correlates of antidepressant utilisation in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate sociodemographic variation in antidepressant utilisation.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis of antidepressant prescription under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia, 2003-2005.


METHODS
Antidepressant utilisation (defined daily dose/1000/day) by sex, age, socioeconomic status (SES) and geographical area.


RESULTS
Total antidepressant utilisation increased with age. Among those aged > or = 15 years, female utilisation was about double that of males. About half of antidepressant utilisation was accounted for by sertraline, venlafaxine, citalopram, and paroxetine. SES differentials in antidepressant utilisation changed across age groups for males and females: among those aged < or = 19 years, total antidepressant utilisation was significantly less in lower SES groups (P < 0.001); there was no relationship to SES among 20-29-year-olds; and among those aged > or = 30 years, antidepressant utilisation was significantly higher in lower SES groups (P < 0.001). SES differences were attenuated after adjusting for urban or rural residence, but remained statistically significant. Antidepressant utilisation rates were highest in regional centres.


CONCLUSIONS
Antidepressant utilisation in Australia partially reflects sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of affective disorder. Discrepancies between treatment provision and treatment need suggest that not all social strata in Australia have equal access to these treatments.
Page
Andrew N
AN
School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. a.page@sph.uq.edu.au.
Swannell
Sarah
S
Martin
Graham
G
Hollingworth
Samantha
S
Hickie
Ian B
IB
Hall
Wayne D
WD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D017062:Small-Area Analysis; D012923:Social Class; D055815:Young Adult
D000928:Antidepressive Agents