BACKGROUND: Antidepressant use is highly prevalent. Research has mainly focused on efficacy during short periods of use for depression and anxiety. There is a relative paucity of data regarding the frequency of long-term use. METHODS: To determine the prevalence and possible increase of long-term use of antidepressants over recent years, we analyzed routine general practice care data in a large cohort of patients (n = 156,620) in and around Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Additionally, predictors of long-term use were studied. RESULTS: Prevalence of long-term use of antidepressants is substantial, and such use appears to be increasing: 30.3% of use was long-term over the period 1995-2005 compared to 43.7% for the period 2005-2015. Higher age, a registered diagnosis of anxiety or depression, and the use of SSRIs or SNRIs were associated with long-term use in multivariate analysis. In addition, specific antidepressants were differentially associated with long-term use. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term antidepressant use is substantial and appears to be on the rise. Awareness of this phenomenon should be increased, such use should be prevented when possible, and reasons for long-term use need to be examined.
BACKGROUND: Antidepressant use is highly prevalent. Research has mainly focused on efficacy during short periods of use for depression and anxiety. There is a relative paucity of data regarding the frequency of long-term use. METHODS: To determine the prevalence and possible increase of long-term use of antidepressants over recent years, we analyzed routine general practice care data in a large cohort of patients (n = 156,620) in and around Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Additionally, predictors of long-term use were studied. RESULTS: Prevalence of long-term use of antidepressants is substantial, and such use appears to be increasing: 30.3% of use was long-term over the period 1995-2005 compared to 43.7% for the period 2005-2015. Higher age, a registered diagnosis of anxiety or depression, and the use of SSRIs or SNRIs were associated with long-term use in multivariate analysis. In addition, specific antidepressants were differentially associated with long-term use. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term antidepressant use is substantial and appears to be on the rise. Awareness of this phenomenon should be increased, such use should be prevented when possible, and reasons for long-term use need to be examined.
Authors: Kenneth E Freedland; Brian C Steinmeyer; Robert M Carney; Judith A Skala; Michael W Rich Journal: Gen Hosp Psychiatry Date: 2020-04-25 Impact factor: 3.238
Authors: Carolien Wentink; Marloes J Huijbers; Peter Lbj Lucassen; Annoek van der Gouw; Cornelis Kramers; Jan Spijker; Anne Em Speckens Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2019-10-31 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Renske C Bosman; Ruth C Waumans; Gabriel E Jacobs; Richard C Oude Voshaar; Anna D T Muntingh; Neeltje M Batelaan; Anton J L M van Balkom Journal: Psychother Psychosom Date: 2018-07-24 Impact factor: 17.659