Antidepressant Use in Canada Has Stopped Increasing

Abstract

Objective: Large increases in the use of antidepressants (ADs) were reported in the past 2 decades in many countries, including Canada. Our objective was to determine whether this pattern of increasing use has continued, using data from a 2012 national mental health survey. Method: During the past 2 decades, a series of Canadian national health surveys have evaluated AD use in the household population. Some of these surveys have assessed past 2-day use whereas others have assessed self-reported past-month use. We applied meta-regression methods as a methodological strategy to address this heterogeneity and to examine long-term trends, incorporating 2012 data. Results: In keeping with prior reports, AD use rapidly increased in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, the 2012 data suggest that these increases have slowed or perhaps even stopped in recent years. A post hoc examination of longitudinal data from the National Population Health Survey reinforced the impression of a levelling off in the use of these medications. Conclusion: The frequency of AD use may now be stabilizing in the Canadian population. This emerging steady state may reflect a contemporary balance between the perceived need, perceived effectiveness, and acceptability of these medications in the general population.