iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3800 Aveiro, Portugal.
Centre for Health Studies and Research (CEISUC), 3000 Coimbra, Portugal.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov 19;17(22):8612. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228612.
(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.
(1) 背景:精神障碍是 21 世纪日益引人关注的问题。最常见的常见精神障碍包括抑郁症和焦虑症。据预测,在其一生中的某个时刻,一半的人口将经历一种或多种精神障碍。尽管常见精神障碍的患病率很高,但一些最严重的相关问题是治疗差距大,以及抗抑郁药、抗焦虑药和镇静催眠药的过度使用,尤其是在老年患者中。
(2) 方法:本研究旨在分析葡萄牙的精神卫生保健,重点关注老年患者中抗抑郁药、抗焦虑药、镇静催眠药的使用情况。
(3) 结果:在整个欧洲,抗抑郁药、抗焦虑药、镇静催眠药的使用总体呈上升趋势。在葡萄牙,可以观察到镇静催眠药消费的下降趋势。另一方面,抗焦虑药和抗抑郁药的使用量一直在增加。年龄≥60 岁的患者使用了上述药物的一半以上。
(4) 结论:应制定精神卫生政策,以改善抗抑郁药、抗焦虑药、镇静催眠药的合理使用,特别是在老年人中。