Prepandemic psychotropic drug status in Portugal: a nationwide pharmacoepidemiological profile

The prescription of psychotropic drugs has been rising in Europe over the last decade. This study provides a comprehensive profile of prepandemic consumption patterns of antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anxiolytic drugs in Portugal considering full nationwide psychotropic drug prescription and dispensing records (2016-2019) against several criteria, including active ingredient, sociodemographics, medical specialty, and incurred costs. An increase of 29.6% and 34.7% in the consumption of antipsychotics and antidepressants between 2016 and 2019 is highlighted, accompanied by an increase of 37M Eur in total expenditure (> 20M Eur in public copay) for these classes of drugs. Disparities in sociodemographic and geographical incidence are identified. Amongst other pivotal results, 64% of psychotropic drug prescriptions are undertaken by general practitioners, while only 21% undertaken by neurological and psychiatric specialties. Nationwide patterns of psychotropic drug prescription further reveal notable trends and determinants, establishing a reference point for cross-regional studies and being currently assessed at a national level to establish psychosocial initiatives and guidelines for medical practice and training.