Misleading in the Barmer GEK Drug Report?

"DepressionsLiga" refers to misleading formulations in the „Barmer GEK Arzneimittelreport 2012“ down

05/07/2012

From a wealth of differentiated information that the Barmer GEK Arzneimittelreport 2012 contains on more than 200 pages, the information that women receive more psychotropic drugs than men is currently being used as a headline in numerous media. In addition, anti-depressants and sedatives are mentioned in one breath and it is spoken about their high dependence potential.

The German DepressionsLiga would like to comment on this:
„Antidepressants - unlike many sedatives - have no addictive potential. Simultaneously citing these two drug-related addictions is misleading and misleading, as it can prevent people with depression from taking the right medication. In addition, further prejudices against the often helpful or even life-saving medication for mental illnesses are fueled.

Weaning phenomena that can occur in antidepressants - and especially in the group of the so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) - are not to be confused with withdrawal symptoms. Especially when suddenly or prematurely weaning can develop physical abnormalities. Likewise, from time to time, phenomena such as disturbances of perception and irritability are observed, and there may also be a relapse of the disease.

The reasons why women receive more psychotropic drugs than men are not sufficiently listed. It can be seen that women are more likely to talk about mental health problems than men, which makes it easier to diagnose a mental illness. In addition, men often have others „valves“ for mental health problems, for example, there is a higher alcohol abuse than in women. And finally, men in other areas need more medication than women, including cardiovascular disease.

The Barmer GEK report also suggests that there are role stereotypes in the prescribing behavior of physicians. Quote: 'Women are more associated with mental illness and stress, men with somatic diseases'. (Pm)