Antidepressant Use Patterns During the COVID‑19 Pandemic: A Cross‑Sectional Online Survey in Turkey

Abstract Objective and Aim The COVID‑19 pandemic has been associated with increased psychological distress worldwide. Understanding antidepressant utilization during this period is important for understanding burden of depression on public health and rational prescribing and public health planning. To characterize antidepressant use habits during the COVID‑19 pandemic in Turkey and identify sociodemographic correlates, including self‑medication behaviors and adverse effects. Material and Methods Cross‑sectional, observational online survey among adults (≥18 years) via Google Forms. The questionnaire captured socio‑demographics, chronic diseases, and antidepressant‑use characteristics. A total of 420 respondents completed the survey. Analyses were performed in IBM SPSS v23 using chi‑square–based tests and non‑parametric comparisons; statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Ethics approval: Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Non‑Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Meeting No: 110; 2 April 2021). Results Mean age 37.97±10.55 years (18–70); 66.7% women; 26.9% had ≥1 chronic disease. Lifetime antidepressant use was 67.2%; 78.6% used psychiatrist‑prescribed medications; 37.1% reported adverse effects. Antidepressant use differed by education and employment (higher among middle‑school graduates and those not employed; p<0.05); it was more frequent among men; no association was observed with age. Conclusions Antidepressant utilization appeared to rise during the COVID‑19 period and was linked to socioeconomic stressors such as unemployment. The substantial proportion reporting adverse effects underscores the need for rational use and pharmacovigilance. These findings can inform targeted mental‑health support during and after public‑health crises. Keywords: COVID‑19, Antidepressive Agents, Drug Utilization, Self‑Medication, Cross‑Sectional Studies.