Analysis of Antidepressants Utilization for Patients Visiting Psychiatric Out-Patient Clinic in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition treated with antidepressants and other psychotropic medications. This study aimed to assess the utilization pattern of antidepressants among patients visiting the outpatient clinic of the psychiatry department of a tertiary care hospital. The study included the patients who visited the study site and fulfilled the mental and behavioral diagnostic criteria for depression. The demographic and clinical details, including drugs prescribed, were documented in a study-specific data collection form. The ratio of Prescribed Daily Dose to Defined Daily Dose (PDD: DDD) was calculated to assess the adequacy of antidepressant utilization. Data total of 154 patients were collected. A total of 22 psychotropic drugs were used among the study patients as mono (n = 70), dual (n = 69), triple (n = 10), or quadruple therapy (n = 1). Escitalopram was the most often prescribed antidepressant out of the nine antidepressants alone and in combination and was used in slightly high doses (PDD: DDD ratio 1.6). Sertraline, paroxetine, and desvenlafaxine, were used in adequate doses (PDD: DDD between 1 and 1.1), and fluoxetine, duloxetine, amitriptyline, imipramine, and mirtazapine, were used in inadequate doses (PDD: DDD <0.5). Our study findings reveal the need for continuous assessment of antidepressants medications usage in a hospital set up.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in the Treatment of Depression: An Observational Study

“…Pharmacological intervention is commonly used to manage clinical depression. A recently conducted drug utilization study in depression patients revealed that escitalopram was the most commonly prescribed antidepressant as monotherapy or in combination [ 3 ]. The study also discovered that polypharmacy involving the simultaneous use of two antidepressants was practiced just as much as any agent alone [ 3 ].…”

“…A recently conducted drug utilization study in depression patients revealed that escitalopram was the most commonly prescribed antidepressant as monotherapy or in combination [ 3 ]. The study also discovered that polypharmacy involving the simultaneous use of two antidepressants was practiced just as much as any agent alone [ 3 ]. However, in response to the diminished symptoms or adverse effects associated with these synthetic antidepressants, including withdrawal effects, sexual problems, weight gain, adverse emotional effects, or other factors such as treatment cost, patients tend to discontinue the treatment against medical advice, eventually resulting in the recurrence of episodes [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Capsaicin Nanoemulsion in Nicotine Withdrawal-Induced Depression in Mice

“…Because of its high polyunsaturated content and high brain oxygen intake, the central nervous system is susceptible to lipid peroxidation. It also lacks antioxidant enzymes in a significant amount [46][47][48][49]. Plasma MDA levels were found to be higher in people who suffer from depression.…”

Assessment of Medication Adherence and Adverse Drug Reactions in Depressive Patients Taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Kerala

“…Depression is characterized by a sad mood, pessimistic thoughts, decreased interest in day-to-day activities, poor concentration, insomnia or increased sleep, significant weight loss or gain, decreased energy, persistent feelings of guilt and worthlessness, decreased libido, and suicidal thoughts that last at least two weeks. 1 Patients with depression can be of any gender, age, or background. Fear of stigmatization associated with mental disorders discourages patients from seeking early medical treatment.…”