(B-124) Pharmacoepidemiological study about the usage of antidepressants in young adults in Greece

Background: Studies have shown an increase in antidepressant usage amongst young adults. Between 2016 and 2022 the number of young adults with ≥1 dispensed antidepressant prescription rose by 47% in the United States. Similar findings were noted in Europe, with Greece having a 248% increase from 2000 to 2020. Undertreatment of patients with severe depression is also an underlying issue, despite Greek guidelines mentioning the need of treatment..

Objectives: This study aims to record the familiarity, personal experience, behavioural traits and perspective of Greek citizens in their early adulthood towards antidepressants.

Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted via an online questionnaire (February to April 2024) that was shared through social media amongst student communities targeting young adults aged 18-30 years.Participation was voluntary, and age verification was not feasible. The survey consisted of i) A common section for all respondents, ii) Separate sections for participants who had or had not used antidepressants, tailored to their experiences. In addition, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the severity of depression. The analysis was done through SPSS 24.0. Familiarity with antidepressants was evaluated based on participants' ability to correctly define them. Non-compliance was defined as anything less than 100% adherence to psychiatric recommendations.

Results: A total of 1,119 responses were collected, with 69% of participants being female. According to PHQ-9, 30.2% of all participants had moderate to severe depression, with women being more likely to fall into these categories (p < 0.05). 8.8% reported having received antidepressant treatment. 12.5% of respondents incorrectly identified the definition of antidepressants. Although 69% of non-users at all severity levels expressed a need to visit a mental health specialist (psychiatrist or psychologist), only 27% did. Higher depression severity was associated with poorer treatment outcomes, with many patients feeling the need to restart treatment. Individuals who had personal connections with someone who had used antidepressants were more likely to seek professional help (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.7–3.0).12.5% of users reported taking antidepressants without a prescription. Patients who were unsatisfied with their specialist were more likely to self-medicate (OR: 10.0, 95% CI: 2.7–37.4). Compliance with prescribed treatment was associated with better mental health outcomes (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.3–8.8).

Conclusions: Findings suggest that a substantial proportion of young adults experience symptoms of depression, yet only a small percentage receive antidepressant treatment.