Macroeconomic fluctuations and individual use of psychotropic medications: Evidence from Swedish administrative data

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Abstract

Background: A growing literature finds that adult mental health worsens during economic downturns. Current insights on the relationship between macroeconomic fluctuations and psychotropic medication are based on self-reported information or aggregate measures on prescriptions. This study assesses the relationship between local macroeconomic conditions and individual use of psychotropic medication as reported in administrative registers. Methods: We use local information on unemployment linked to individual-level longitudinal data on detailed psychotropic drug consumption from administrative registers, for individuals in working age (20-65) in Sweden 2006-13. Any psychotropic medication uptake and the related number of redeemed prescriptions are the primary outcomes. Mortality is considered a secondary outcome. Results: Among young men (aged 20-44) and older women (aged 45-65), we find reduced use of psychotropic medication (2-4% compared to the mean) when the local labor market conditions deteriorate. The relationship is driven by reduced use of antidepressants. The same age-gender groups experience a significantly higher risk of mortality in bad times. Conclusions: This study shows that economic downturns may not only put strain on individuals' mental health but also on their access to psychopharmaceutic treatments.

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APA

Dackehag, M., Ellegård, L. M., Gerdtham, U. G., & Nilsson, T. (2023). Macroeconomic fluctuations and individual use of psychotropic medications: Evidence from Swedish administrative data. European Journal of Public Health, 33(1), 93–98. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckac182

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