First prescription analysis study of depression in a tertiary hospital

Kavitha V D; Bhandari P R

Authors

Kavitha V D Post Graduate, Department of Pharmacology, S.D.M. College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
Bhandari P R Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, S.D.M. College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

Keywords:

Drug utilization studies, anti-depressants, prescribing pattern, depression

Abstract

Objectives: To delineate preferred classes of drugs used and their utilization pattern in patients newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). To find differences, between the preferred and ideal prescribing pattern of anti-depressants in Indian context. To analyze the drug utilization pattern observed and reason(s) for deviation(s).

Materials and methods: Patients diagnosed with MDD at the Psychiatry OPD, in a tertiary care hospital for the first time. A questionnaire based study including the first prescription by the Psychiatrist for a patient of MDD with at least one anti-depressant.

Results: Participants consisted of males (62%) and females (38%). 39% of them belonged to age group of 21 – 30 years and 59% belonged to Class IV socio-economic status. Escitalopram (46%) was commonly prescribed anti-depressant. Prescriptions with brand names were 80% and generic names were 20%. Average cost per prescription was Rs. 57.72 ± 39.98.

Conclusion: Escitalopram was the most commonly used anti-depressant. With advent of newer drugs, a shift from existing trend is advisable to psychiatrists. With wide variation of prevalence of psychiatric disorders in India, it is preferred to conduct more studies frequently and keep in pace with ideal prescribing pattern.