Antidepressant use up 169%, with more cases treated in health centers

The use of antidepressants has increased in recent years, as more than 1.2 million insured people received at least one dispensing in 2023, 169% more people than in 2020, according to data released by the Catalan health department.

Meanwhile, data shows that the use of antidepressants among those under 15 years old has skyrocketed by 253%.

In 2023, 44,447 cases were treated in primary health centers. Also, in 2023, 23.8% of those treated in one of the various CSMA adult mental health centers were diagnosed with depressive disorders. 

Overall, 3,904 people attended, 15% more than in 2020, and 71% were women.

Experts state that 9.2% of the population over the age of 15 years old have moderate or severe depressive disorders, an increase of 28% compared to 2019.

The increase in disorders across Catalonia, especially among women, older people, and less favorable socioeconomic groups, "highlights the need to continue investing in prevention, early detection, and improving social sensitivity," a statement shared by the Catalan health ministry reads.