Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2026.67.55
Antidepressant prescribing pattern in Croatia: a retrospective, longitudinal study from 2017 to 2022
Katarina Gvozdanović
; Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Roberto Mužić
; Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Helena Orehovački
; Health Care Center Zagreb – Centar, Zagreb, Croatia
Danijela Štimac Grbić
; Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Aim To assess antidepressant prescribing patterns in Croa
tia.
Methods This retrospective study assessed electronic pre
scription patterns for antidepressants (Anatomical Thera
peutic Chemical code N06A) in Croatia from 2017 to 2022.
We collected data on annual prescription counts, drug
types, drug utilization, utilization trends, indications, and
patient demographics.
Results Over six years, 8.66 million antidepressant pre
scriptions were issued to 415 328 patients in Croatian pri
mary care. Utilization increased by 22.32% (from 22.4 to
27.4 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day) but
remained below the European average. Selective sero
tonin reuptake inhibitors accounted for nearly 60% of pre
scriptions. Women and older adults (≥65 years) were the
primary users.
Conclusion Despite rising antidepressant use, Croatia lags
behind other European countries, possibly due to high
benzodiazepine use. The prescribing pattern highlights the
need for targeted, evidence-based mental health policies.
Special attention should be given to pediatric patients, the
elderly, and patients affected by war-related trauma, while
also exploring socioeconomic influences on prescribing
practices.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
352584
URI
Datum izdavanja:
24.4.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *