[Psychotropic drugs dispensed on the island of Bonaire].

BACKGROUND

Up till now little is known about psychiatric disorders in relation to the use of psychotropics drugs on the Dutch Antilles, with the exception of Curaçao.

AIM

To map the quantity and type of psychotropics prescribed for Bonairians in 2009.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective data analysis of the antipsychotics dispensed by the pharmacies on Bonaire in 2009. Our analysis focused on the benzodiazepines and related compounds, antipsychotics, lithium, antidepressants and ADHD- and narcolepsy-medication. With regard to antipsychotics and antidepressants, we also investigated 'the age distribution of the persons to whom the psychotropics were dispensed'. In addition, we mapped the frequency with which the drugs were dispensed: once only, infrequently, regularly.

RESULTS

At least one psychotropic drug was delivered to 18.37% of (N=2365) Bonairians in 2009. Benzodiazepines and related compounds in particular were the most commonly dispensed drugs.

CONCLUSION

One in five Bonairians received at least one prescription for psychotropic drugs in 2009.