Increase in the duration of antidepressant treatment from 1994 to 2003: a nationwide population-based study from Finland

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2010 Nov;19(11):1186-93. doi: 10.1002/pds.2017.

Abstract

Objective: We examined the length and continuity of antidepressant treatment and factors associated with long-term of treatment among adults.

Methods: Nationwide data from all reimbursed antidepressant prescriptions in 1994-2003 were linked with patients' data retrieved from Statistics Finland and the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Logistic regression models were used to analyse long term use of antidepressants.

Results: The annual prevalence of antidepressant use increased from 3.6% in 1994 to 7.3% in 2003. Short-term use (<3 months) decreased from 58% in 1995 to 51% in 2000 and long-term treatment (≥12 months) increased from 18 to 21%. In 2000, 31% of treatment periods lasted ≥6 months and 24% ≥9 months. Long-term treatment correlated to the purchase of other psychotropics, in-patient psychiatric care, and prescription by a psychiatrist.

Conclusions: Treatment periods with antidepressants have become longer over time. Clinical factors related to mental disorder severity predict long-term use. Only a quarter had the treatment duration recommended by clinical guidelines for depression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Finland
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharmacoepidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Registries
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents