Impact of gender and age of patients with a diagnosis of depression on the prescription of SSRI and SNRI drugs

Aim of the study Compliance with pharmacological treatment is a vital element in the effective management of depression. Nonetheless, the impact of patients' gender and age on treatment adherence and prescription compliance remains underinvestigated. This study aims to examine the correlation between gender, age, and the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in patients diagnosed with depressive episodes (F32) or recurrent depressive disorder (F33) according to the ICD-10. Subject or material and methods Data from 526 patient visits were examined, concentrating on antidepressant prescriptions acquired via the MyDr EDM system (January 1, 2023 – August 15, 2024). The research evaluated prescription fulfillment by gender and age, using statistical techniques like the χ2 test and Kruskal-Wallis test to determine significant disparities. Results Most patients complied with their recommended treatment, with 61.6% completely adhering to their prescriptions, 3.2% somewhat adhering, and 35.2% not adhering at all. No statistically significant differences were detected between males and females for prescription fulfillment (p=0.722). Discussion Age was a crucial determinant affecting adherence. It was revealed that older individuals had superior adherence, but younger patients were less inclined to comply with recommended medications. Conclusions Understanding the age-related determinants affecting prescription adherence may inform the creation of more focused initiatives to enhance patient compliance, especially among younger demographics who may need heightened motivation as well as awareness of the significance of consistent treatment.