Use of Psychotropic Drugs in Lombardy in Time of Economic Crisis (2007-2011): a Population-Based Study of Adult Employees

Over recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the prescription of psychotropic drugs (PDs), particularly antidepressants (ADs). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the consumption of PDs by all adult employees in Lombardy aged >18 years in the period 2007-2011 and the possible changes induced by the “economic crisis” in this highly productive area of Italy. The subjects were classified by gender, age class, nationality, education and province. During the five-year period, there were 3,554,860 employed adults in Lombardy, of whom 277,865 (7.8%) used PDs. The use of PDs (particularly ADs) was associated with being an Italian woman aged >55 years with a basic education and a blue collar job. The lower prevalence in immigrants may be due to the difficulty in gaining access to health services. The increase in PD use can be attributed more specifically to ADs and anti-epileptic drugs with anxiolytic properties. Although continuously increasing, the use of AD fluctuated and was greater during the fall and winter. The increase involved all of the provinces in Lombardy in a similar manner. In 39% of cases, the use of PDs (and particularly ADs) was limited to one trimester, although the AD guidelines suggest at least 6-12 months of treatment.