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The Use of Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, Sedatives and Hypnotics in Europe: Focusing on Mental Health Care in Portugal and Prescribing in Older Patients

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  • Marta Estrela

    (iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3800 Aveiro, Portugal
    Centre for Health Studies and Research (CEISUC), 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
    Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Maria Teresa Herdeiro

    (iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3800 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Pedro Lopes Ferreira

    (Centre for Health Studies and Research (CEISUC), 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
    Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Fátima Roque

    (Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic of Guarda (UDI-IPG), 6300 Guarda, Portugal
    Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200 Covilhã, Portugal)

Abstract

(1) Background: Mental disorders are a growing concern in the 21st century. The most prevalent common mental disorders include depression and anxiety. It is predicted that half of the population will at some point in their lives experience one or more mental disorders. Although common mental disorders are highly prevalent, some of the most significant related problems are the wide treatment gap and the excessive use of antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedatives/hypnotics, especially among older patients. (2) Methods: This study aimed to analyze mental health care in Portugal, with a focus on the consumption of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics among older patients. (3) Results: The use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics has increased overall across Europe. In Portugal, a downward trend of sedatives and hypnotics consumption can be observed. Anxiolytics and antidepressants, on the other hand, have been increasing. Patients aged ≥60 years old consume more than half of the aforementioned drugs. (4) Conclusions: Mental health policies should be designed to improve the conscientious use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, particularly among older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Estrela & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & Pedro Lopes Ferreira & Fátima Roque, 2020. "The Use of Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, Sedatives and Hypnotics in Europe: Focusing on Mental Health Care in Portugal and Prescribing in Older Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:22:p:8612-:d:447864
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Gomes & Ana Isabel Placido & Rita Mó & João Lindo Simões & Odete Amaral & Isabel Fernandes & Fátima Lima & Manuel Morgado & Adolfo Figueiras & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & Fátima Roque, 2019. "Daily Medication Management and Adherence in the Polymedicated Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Portugal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Ana Isabel Plácido & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & João Lindo Simões & Odete Amaral & Adolfo Figueiras & Fátima Roque, 2020. "Voices of Polymedicated Older Patients: A Focus Group Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-10, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wen Liu & Guosheng Han & Xiangzi Yan & Xuan Zhang & Guangjie Ning & Armigon Ravshanovich Akhmedov & William Cannon Hunter, 2021. "The Impact of Mental Health Status on Health Consumption of the Elderly in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-17, June.

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