Utilization of antidepressants in taiwan: A nationwide population-based survey from 2000 to 2009
Journal
Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
Journal Volume
21
Journal Issue
9
Pages
980-988
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: This study examined trends in antidepressant utilization in Taiwan between 2000 and 2009. Methods: We collected data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of all incident antidepressant use. We described the incidence, prevalence, and therapeutic indications of antidepressant use. We tested the trends by using logistic regression analyses with adjustment for age and sex. Results: Overall, the prevalence of antidepressant use per 1000 persons increased from 32.1 in 2000 to 46.3 in 2009; however, the incidence per 1000 persons declined from 20.8 in 2000 to 16.5 in 2009. For antidepressant classes, the prescriptions of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other new agents increased during the study periods; however, the use of tricyclic antidepressants, trazodone, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors declined. For therapeutic indications, we found increasing trends of antidepressant use for sleep and adjustment disorders; however, the rates of antidepressant use for mood disorder, anxiety disorders, and non-psychiatric conditions decreased. Conclusions: Regarding the new use of antidepressants in Taiwan between 2000 and 2009, we found that the decreased incidence of antidepressant use might be attributed mainly to the decreased use of tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Decreased use among middle-aged and older persons and fewer antidepressant prescriptions for non-psychiatric conditions were also noted. ? 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subjects
Antidepressant; Taiwan; Utilization
SDGs
Other Subjects
antidepressant agent; monoamine oxidase inhibitor; serotonin uptake inhibitor; trazodone; tricyclic antidepressant agent; adjustment disorder; adolescent; adult; aged; anxiety disorder; article; child; drug utilization; female; human; incidence; major clinical study; male; mood disorder; population research; preschool child; prescription; prevalence; priority journal; school child; sleep disorder; Taiwan; Adjustment Disorders; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Antidepressive Agents; Child; Databases, Factual; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Physician's Practice Patterns; Sleep Disorders; Taiwan; Young Adult
Type
journal article