ArticleBMC psychiatry2026
The trends in the use of psychopharmacological medications in Ukraine 2010-2022.
Article in BMC psychiatry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundBetween 2010 and 2022, Ukraine experienced multiple societal disruptions, including healthcare reforms, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the full-scale war in 2022. These events may have influenced mental health needs and access to psychopharmacological treatment across the country.
objectiveThis study aimed to describe trends in the use of outpatient psychopharmacological medicines in Ukraine from 2010 to 2022, as measured by the annual number of dispensed packages from community pharmacies.
methodsWe conducted a register-based, retrospective analysis of community pharmacy sales data from the PharmXplorer database®, maintained by Proxima Research LLC. Annual numbers of packages dispensed for antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives, psychostimulants and antipsychotics (ATC N05A-C, N06A-B) were analysed using joinpoint regression on log-transformed counts. Prescription volumes by sex and age were described for 2015–2022. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata SE 18 and the Joinpoint Regression Program version 5.4.0.
resultsOverall psychopharmacological use declined between 2010 and 2022, with drops in 2020 and 2022. Joinpoint regression showed a sustained decline in hypnotics and sedatives (N05C; average annual percent change [AAPC] -4.9% [95% CI -5.5% to -4.2%]; p < 0.001). Psychostimulants (N06B) showed short-term fluctuations with no significant overall long-term trend (AAPC − 0.7% [95% CI -2.3% to 0.5%]; p = 0.21). Anxiolytics (N05B) displayed a modest yet statistically significant long-term increase (AAPC 2.6% [95% CI 0.7% to 4.4%]; p = 0.006). Antipsychotic use (N05A) also increased (AAPC 3.9% [95% CI 2.5% to 5.3%]; p < 0.001), with a steeper rise from 2016. Antidepressant use (N06A) increased overall (AAPC 7.2% [95% CI 5.0% to 9.8%]; p < 0.001), driven by a marked rise after 2015. By the end of 2022, escitalopram and gidazepam were the most widely dispensed antidepressant and anxiolytic, respectively.
conclusionsThis study describes long-term trends in outpatient psychopharmacological medicine use in Ukraine from 2010 to 2022. We observed changes in prescription volumes over 2015–2022, shifts in the distribution of pharmacy-dispensed medicines across ATC classes during 2010–2022, and declines in overall utilisation during major disruptions to health service delivery. These findings can support monitoring of psychopharmacological medicine utilisation and mental health service planning. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
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