title: [Austrian expenditures on psychopharmaceutical drugs between 2006 and 2013].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Health costs, which are increasing at a yearly rate of 4 %, represent 11% and thus a large share of Austria's gross domestic product (GDP). High expenditures derive frommental health care costs, including medication. In this article we investigate whether the costs and usage of psychopharmaceutic products in Austria are rising.
  
  
  METHODS
  We did a descriptive analysis of the sales figures and number for packaging units of pharmaceutical products of ATC-classes N05 and N06 in all Austrian hospitals, pharmacies and medicine chests for the years 2006-2013. All data were provided free of charge by IMSHealth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sales volume and number of prescribed packaging units of pharmaceuticals of ATC-classes N05 and N06 increased over the time period in question. In 2013, about 25% more packaging units were being sold than in 2006. Among the two ATC-classes, however, the indication subgroups developed differently. Expenditures increased a total of about 31%within the period of consideration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The increase in psycho-pharmaceutical sales exceeds the expansion rates of other health expenditures (17.8 %). During the 9 years of observation, 25% more psychopharmaceutical products were sold. This may result from increased prevalence of mental disorders, higher usage or an increment in prescriptions.
authors.affiliation: Department für Psychotherapie und Biopsychosoziale Gesundheit, Doktor-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, A-3500 Krems.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boeckle
authors.affiliation: Department für Psychotherapie und Biopsychosoziale Gesundheit, Fakultät für Gesundheit und Medizin, Donau-Universität Krems, Österreich.
authors.forename: Yasmine
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chetouani
authors.affiliation: Department für Psychotherapie und Biopsychosoziale Gesundheit, Fakultät für Gesundheit und Medizin, Donau-Universität Krems, Österreich. Department für Psychotherapie und Biopsychosoziale Gesundheit, Fakultät für Gesundheit und Medizin, Donau-Universität Krems, Österreich.
authors.forename: Marlene
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schrimpf
authors.affiliation: Department für Psychotherapie und Biopsychosoziale Gesundheit, Fakultät für Gesundheit und Medizin, Donau-Universität Krems, Österreich.
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liegl
authors.affiliation: Department für Psychotherapie und Biopsychosoziale Gesundheit, Fakultät für Gesundheit und Medizin, Donau-Universität Krems, Österreich.
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leitner
authors.affiliation: Department für Psychotherapie und Biopsychosoziale Gesundheit, Fakultät für Gesundheit und.
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pieh
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001317:Austria; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000639:trends*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000639:trends*; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs
keywords: Cost Development Analysis; Health Expenditures; Psychopharmaceutical Sales; Psychotherapeutic Costs