A nationwide prospective study on prescribing pattern of antidepressant drugs in Italian primary care

The objectivee was to explore antidepressant drug (AD) prescribing patterns in Italian primary care. Methods: Overall, 276 Italian general practitioners (GPs) participated in this prospective study, recruiting patients over 18 years who started AD therapy during the enrolment period (Jan 2007 to Jun 2008).  During visits at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months, data about patients' characteristics and AD treatments were collected by the GPs.  Discontinuation rate among new users of AD classes (i.e. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI); tricyclics (TCAs); other ADs) were compared.  Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of AD discontinuation. Results: SSRIs were the most frequently prescribed ADs (N = 1037; 75.3%), especially paroxetine and escitalopram.  SSRIs were more likely to be prescribed because of depressive disorders (80%), and by GPs (51.1%) rather than psychiatrists (31.8%).  Overall, 27.5% (N = 378) ...
Source: NeLM - Mental Health - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news