AHRQ Stats

From 2000 to 2010, inflation-adjusted total expenses for antidepressants among people age 65 and older increased nearly 126 percent, and the number of antidepressants purchased increased by 122 percent. (Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Statistical Brief #430: Trends in Antidepressant Utilization and Expenditures in the U.S. Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population by Age, 2000 and 2010.)

STATISTICAL BRIEF #430:
Trends in Antidepressant Utilization and Expenditures in the U.S. Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population by Age, 2000 and 2010

February 2014

Marie N. Stagnitti, MPA

Highlights

From 2000 to 2010, the number of people in the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population purchasing at least one outpatient prescription antidepressant increased for those ages 18-44, 45-64, and 65 and older. For those persons under age 18, there was no significant increase or decrease.
Comparing 2000 and 2010, the total number of outpatient prescription antidepressants purchased increased for those ages 18-44, 45-64, and 65 and older.
Comparing 2000 with 2010, for persons ages 18-44, 45-64, and 65 and older in the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population, the inflation adjusted total expense for antidepressants increased.
From 2000 to 2010, for people ages 45-64 the total number of people purchasing one or more prescribed antidepressant increased by 91.3 percent, the total number of antidepressants purchased increased by 107.4 percent, and total expense for antidepressants increased by 103.3 percent.
From 2000 to 2010, for persons age 65 and older, inflation adjusted total expense on antidepressants increased 125.6 percent and the number of antidepressants purchased increased 122.0 percent.