Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2022.219

SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN THE PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF MAJOR DEPRESSION - ARE WOMEN AND MEN TREATED DIFFERENTLY?

Karin Schwalsberger ; Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Graz, Austria ; Rehabilitation centre Justus Park Bad Hall, Bad Hall, Austria
Bernd Reininghaus ; Rehabilitation centre Justus Park Bad Hall, Bad Hall, Austria
Alexandra Reiter ; Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Graz, Austria ; Rehabilitation centre Justus Park Bad Hall, Bad Hall, Austria
Nina Dalkner ; Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Graz, Austria
Eva Fleischmann ; Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Graz, Austria
Frederike Fellendorf ; Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Graz, Austria
Martina Platzer ; Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Graz, Austria
Eva Z. Reininghaus ; Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Graz, Austria

Abstract

Background: In the last decade, sex-related medicine has become an increasingly important area of research as insights in this
field can improve treatment strategies and recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate sex-related differences in the
prescription and kinds of psychopharmacological treatment in individuals with unipolar affective disorder.
Subjects and methods: Data collected on 388 patients attending a psychiatric rehabilitation clinic (194 females, 194 males,
mean age 52.3 years, standard deviation 7.8 years), who were matched by age and severity of depression, were analyzed. Depression
severity and information on drug type and quantity were assessed at the beginning of the rehabilitation program and compared
between women and men.
Results: A significant difference between females and males was found in the frequency of prescribing bupropion (females:
3.61%, males: 12.89%; p=0.001) and mirtazapine (females: 5.15%, males: 13.40%; p=0.005). In terms of polypharmacy, the results
showed that over 53% of the patients were taking two or more psychotropic substances as a long-term therapy and that 34% of them
were taking three to five different substances. No sex-related differences were found concerning the number of psychotropic drugs
taken by the patients.
Conclusion: The higher frequency of prescriptions for bupropion and mirtazapine in men might be explained by the adverse
drug reactions of the drugs (e.g., fewer sexually adverse drug reactions, weight gain) and a known interaction with oral
contraception. It remains unclear whether these aspects are taken into consideration for each patient in terms of their special needs
and conditions or whether it is a decision based on the patient’s sex. Given a similar severity of depression, men and women are
prescribed a similar number of psychotropic substances. However, the high number of psychotropic drugs prescribed on average
should be noted. Well-trained healthcare professionals should focus on regularly assessing and optimizing treatment regimens.

Keywords

polypharmacy; treatment of major depression; sex-related differences

Hrčak ID:

280010

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/280010

Publication date:

5.7.2022.

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