National trends of psychotropic medication use among patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders: results from medical expenditure panel survey 2004-2009
Journal
Journal of anxiety disorders
Journal Volume
27
Journal Issue
2
Pages
163
Date Issued
2013-03
Author(s)
Abstract
Data from the 2004 to 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were used to: (1) characterize changes in utilization and (2) identify factors associated with the use of psychotropic medication among patients with anxiety disorders. We calculated the prevalence, compared the use patterns for each year and drug class, and used logistic regression to identify the factors associated with psychotropic medication use. Patients ever using a psychotropic medication for anxiety grew from 57.4% in 2004 to 63.8% in 2009 (p<0.01). From 2004 to 2009, use of benzodiazepines (22.7-30.5%, p<0.01) and atypical antipsychotics (2.3-3.9%, p<0.01) increased. A high prevalence in the use of benzodiazepines (41.8% in 2004 to 48.8% in 2009) was observed among older adults. Older age, having insurance coverage, and poor health status were significantly associated with self-reported psychotropic medication use. An increase of psychotropic medication use from 2004 to 2009 was observed. A high prevalence and increasing trend in the use of benzodiazepines may warrant further attention given safety concerns in older adults.
Subjects
Antidepressants | Anxiety disorders | Benzodiazepines | Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) | National trends | Psychotropic medication use
Type
journal article