The impact of published guidance on trends in the pharmacological management of depression in children and adolescents- a whole population e-cohort data linkage study in Wales, UK.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study evaluated the impact of 2015/2016 prescribing guidance on antidepressant prescribing choices in children.

Methods

A retrospective e-cohort study of whole population routine electronic healthcare records was conducted. Poisson regression was undertaken to explore trends over time for depression, antidepressant prescribing, indications and secondary care contacts. Time trend analysis was conducted to assess the impact of guidance.

Results

A total of 643 322 primary care patients in Wales UK, aged 6-17 years from 2010-2019 contributed 3 215 584 person-years of follow-up. Adjusted incidence of depression more than doubled (IRR for 2019 = 2.8 [2.5-3.2]) with similar trends seen for antidepressants. Fluoxetine was the most frequently prescribed first-l

SUBMITTER: Marchant A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11779557 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature