Use of psychiatric drugs in Slovenia in comparison to Scandinavian countries.

PURPOSE

To find out the consumption of psychotropic drugs in Slovenia and the extent to which Slovenian consumption correlates to Scandinavian countries.

METHODS

Data of ambulatory prescribing of psychiatric drugs in Slovenia for the years 1999 and 2000 and data for Norway, Sweden and Denmark are shown. All data are expressed in defined daily doses per thousand inhabitants per day (DDD's).

RESULTS

The use of all neuroleptics in Slovenia is lower (5.3 vs 6.1-7.6 DDD's), however the share of atypicals (34%) is comparable to Scandinavian countries. Use of anticholinergics is up to five times greater (1.6 vs 0.3-0.5 DDD's). The use of lithium is five time lower (0.2 vs 1.1-1.4). Regarding the use of antidepressants, Slovenia is behind Scandinavia (12.2 vs 30-47 DDD's), whereas the share of SSRI's (73%) is at the same level. The use of anxiolytics is higher (25.4 vs 16-22.4 DDD's) and ratio with antidepressants is also unfavourable. The use of hypnotics and sedatives is favourably low (10.7 vs 31.8-44.6 DDD's).

CONCLUSIONS

Low use of hypnotics and sedatives is favourable. The share of new neuroleptics and antidepressants is comparable. The use of antidepressants is probably too low. However, prescribing guidelines for anxiolytics, anticholinergics (too high use of both group) and lithium (too low use) should be introduced in Slovenia.