Publication date: Dec 05, 2024

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of mental health disorders has been rising in Saudi Arabia, which may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the usage patterns of various psychotropic drugs before and during the pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the psychiatric outpatient clinic of a single hospital in Saudi Arabia from 1 October 2018 to 31 March 2023. Electronic medical records were used to gather information on all adult patients who were prescribed at least one antidepressant, antipsychotic, or anxiolytic/sedative/hypnotic medication. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression model. Results: In the 4846 participants in the study, the total frequently prescribed psychotropics during the pandemic were antidepressants (2119 prescriptions), then antipsychotics (1509 prescriptions), and anxiolytics/sedatives/hypnotics (780 prescriptions). The mean before and during the pandemic for olanzapine was (41. 86 vs. 23. 55) and risperidone was (39. 00 vs. 22. 18), indicating a significant difference for both medications (p = 0. 0003). Psychotropic drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly higher among the female patients (OR = 1. 15, 95% CI [1. 06-1. 26]) and those aged 18-39 years (OR = 1. 65, 95% CI [1. 52-1. 80]). Antidepressant and antipsychotic use were significantly lower than anxiolytic/sedative/hypnotic use during the pandemic (OR = 0. 74, 95% CI [0. 65-0. 84]; OR = 0. 66, 95% CI [0. 58-0. 75], respectively). Conclusions: The prescription rate of anxiolytics/sedatives/hypnotics was higher than that of antidepressants and antipsychotics. Furthermore, women and individuals aged ≤40 years were at a higher risk of psychotropic medication use. To mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression in Saudi Arabia, policymakers should implement mental health screening initiatives.

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