Antidepressant prescribing pattern in Croatia: a retrospective, longitudinal study from 2017 to 2022

To assess antidepressant prescribing patterns in Croatia.

This retrospective study assessed electronic prescription patterns for antidepressants (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code N06A) in Croatia from 2017 to 2022. We collected data on annual prescription counts, drug types, drug utilization, utilization trends, indications, and patient demographics.

Over six years, 8.66 million antidepressant prescriptions were issued to 415 328 patients in Croatian primary care. Utilization increased by 22.32% (from 22.4 to 27.4 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day) but remained below the European average. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors accounted for nearly 60% of prescriptions. Women and older adults (≥65 years) were the primary users.

Despite rising antidepressant use, Croatia lags behind other European countries, possibly due to high benzodiazepine use. The prescribing pattern highlights the need for targeted, evidence-based mental health policies. Special attention should be given to pediatric patients, the elderly, and patients affected by war-related trauma, while also exploring socioeconomic influences on prescribing practices.