[Evolution in consumption of anti-depressants during the years 2002 to 2004]

To analyse the use of antidepressants from 2002 to 2004 and the length of treatment.

Cross-sectional, descriptive study of antidepressant drugs prescribed through the National Health System during 2002-2004.

Lleida Health Region, Spain.

A total of 54,890 patients received an antidepressant drug between 2002 and 2004.

Age, sex, medicine, prescription period, centre.

The prevalence of antidepressant treatment was: 8.4% in 2002 (368,976 inhabitants); 8.6% in 2003 (376,638 inhabitants); and 8.7% in 2004 (388,148 inhabitants). The increase in antidepressant treatment in 2004 over 2002 was 9.4%. Prevalence among men was 5.4% and women, 12.7%. The distribution according to antidepressant classes was: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, 73.7%; tricyclic antidepressants, 26.2%; heterocyclic antidepressants, 10%, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, 0.1%. The duration of treatment was 1 to 3 months (43%), 4 to 12 months (22.7%), 13 to 24 months (14.4%), and over 24 months (19.9%).

A steady increase in the use of antidepressants is being observed, predominantly new drugs. Regarding the length of treatment, a high proportion of patients are treated for under 4 months, which does not follow recent recommendations in the scientific literature for treatment of depression. This is a major element of inefficiency in the health system.