Mengqiang Zhao, Luyao Chang, Jing Yu, Jianxin Wang, Yang Song, Shi Su, Chaoli Chen, Yang Lun, Fangfang Cheng, Yuanyuan Zhao, Chunhua Zhou
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Analyzing antidepressant prescribing in real-world settings can provide clinicians and health policymakers valuable information.
Aim: This epidemiological study examined the status and trends in antidepressant prescribing among the Chinese population from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022.
Method: A retrospective study was conducted in three hospitals. Data were collected 2.5 years before and 2.5 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed the number of patients diagnosed with depression and their corresponding antidepressant prescriptions. Using the chi-square test, stratified analyses were performed to explore the characteristics of these prescriptions in different ages and sexes.
Results: The study included 124,355 patients and 400,840 antidepressant prescriptions. We observed fluctuating upward trends in the number of patients and antidepressant prescriptions. Post-COVID-19, the number of patients increased by 37.1% compared to the pre-pandemic period, and the number of antidepressant prescriptions rose by 88.3%. The three most frequently prescribed antidepressants for adolescents were sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram. Among adults, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline were most common, while in older adults, citalopram, escitalopram, and mirtazapine were predominant. Male patients used mirtazapine, venlafaxine, paroxetine, bupropion, fluvoxamine, vortioxetine, and clomipramine more frequently compared to female patients, who were more likely to be prescribed citalopram, flupentixol/melitracen, agomelatine, and fluoxetine. Antidepressant monotherapy represented 76.6% of prescriptions, with the most common combination being antidepressants and anxiolytics.
Conclusion: Over the past 5 years, both the number of patients and antidepressant prescriptions have shown upward trends, and the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted prescribing. Understanding the changes in antidepressant prescriptions can identify adherence to national guidelines.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy (IJCP) offers a platform for articles on research in Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Care and related practice-oriented subjects in the pharmaceutical sciences.
IJCP is a bi-monthly, international, peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research data, new ideas and discussions on pharmacotherapy and outcome research, clinical pharmacy, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, the clinical use of medicines, medical devices and laboratory tests, information on medicines and medical devices information, pharmacy services research, medication management, other clinical aspects of pharmacy.
IJCP publishes original Research articles, Review articles , Short research reports, Commentaries, book reviews, and Letters to the Editor.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy is affiliated with the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP). ESCP promotes practice and research in Clinical Pharmacy, especially in Europe. The general aim of the society is to advance education, practice and research in Clinical Pharmacy .
Until 2010 the journal was called Pharmacy World & Science.