The Use of Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, Sedatives and Hypnotics in Europe: Focusing on Mental Health Care in Portugal and Prescribing in Older Patients

Marta Estrela, Maria Teresa Herdeiro, Pedro Ferreira and Fátima Roque
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Marta Estrela: iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3800 Aveiro, Portugal
Maria Teresa Herdeiro: iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3800 Aveiro, Portugal
Fátima Roque: Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic of Guarda (UDI-IPG), 6300 Guarda, Portugal

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-12

Abstract: (1) Background: Mental disorders are a growing concern in the 21st century. The most prevalent common mental disorders include depression and anxiety. It is predicted that half of the population will at some point in their lives experience one or more mental disorders. Although common mental disorders are highly prevalent, some of the most significant related problems are the wide treatment gap and the excessive use of antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedatives/hypnotics, especially among older patients. (2) Methods: This study aimed to analyze mental health care in Portugal, with a focus on the consumption of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics among older patients. (3) Results: The use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics has increased overall across Europe. In Portugal, a downward trend of sedatives and hypnotics consumption can be observed. Anxiolytics and antidepressants, on the other hand, have been increasing. Patients aged ≥60 years old consume more than half of the aforementioned drugs. (4) Conclusions: Mental health policies should be designed to improve the conscientious use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, particularly among older adults.

Keywords: elderly; health policy; mental health; older patients; antidepressants; anxiolytics; sedatives and hypnotics; Portugal; Europe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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