Trend analysis of antidepressant consumption in Italy from 2008 to 2022 in a public health perspective

Depression is an important public health issue. Over the years, the consumption of antidepressants has increased in the population, which on one hand may mean increased diagnostic accuracy, but on the other could mean a problem of inappropriate consumption and prescribing. The aim of the study is to analyze trends in antidepressant consumption and major drug classes in Italy in the last 15 years to provide useful public health insights for policymakers. Data were collected from Osservasalute and OsMed reports from 2008 to 2022. We included the overall consumption of antidepressants and the three subclasses of the most widely used antidepressant drugs: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Data were expressed as the daily defined dose (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants. A joinpoint analysis was conducted for each data point in order to describe the trend and identify the Annual Percentage Change (APC) and the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC). In Italy, there was an increase in antidepressant consumption of 36.7% over the period. Overall, Joinpoint analysis shows a significant AAPC of + 2.31%. Analyzing the subclasses also showed a significant increase in the consumption of SSRIs (AAPC = 1.46%) and SNRIs (AAPC = + 2.14%). In contrast, there was a significant decrease in the consumption of TCAs (AAPC = - 1.46%). The trend of antidepressant use has been increasing steadily over the considered period. Public Health plays a key role in proposing solutions to improve the mental health of the population. Targeted interventions must be carried out to raise awareness among policy makers, clinicians and the population.