Far.me research reveals that quetiapine is the most used psychotropic drug in all age groups
Summary
86% of adults between 18 and 39 use psychotropic drugs, but use drops in older age groups. It is important to adapt treatments to the specific needs of each age.
A survey carried out by Away from me reveals that 86% of adults aged 18 to 39 who use drugs on a recurring basis use medications aimed at treating mental disorders. The main drugs consumed in this age group include quetiapine (15%), venlafaxine (14%) and escitalopram (12%), used to treat depression and anxiety. The data highlights the relevance of the topic and the importance of adapting treatments to the needs of each age group.
The survey, which analyzed eight thousand treatments between January and September 2024, shows a sharp decline in the use of psychotropic drugs in the 40 to 69 age group, where only 44% of women and 53% of men consume drugs in recurrently psychiatric treatments. Quetiapine still stands out (18%), followed by sertraline (13%) and escitalopram (13%). This scenario reflects an increase in the use of medications aimed at other health problems, such as cholesterol and hypertension, which become more prevalent at this stage of life. Despite the decline, it is possible to observe that psychotropic drugs continue to be widely used in this age group.
Among adults aged 70 and older, the rate of psychiatric drug use is 35%. Quetiapine (19%) continues to be the most used drug, accompanied by memantine (8%) and donepezil (8%), both used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. This percentage seems lower than in younger age groups, but it is important to highlight that in this age group people, in addition to taking psychotropic drugs, tend to face other illnesses at the same time, which often makes psychiatric treatment even more complex.
“The data shows that, although there is a significant prevalence of psychotropic drug use among younger adults, there is a notable decline with increasing age groups. This does not mean that mental health problems are less relevant in older age, but rather than other health problems, such as chronic diseases, are becoming increasingly important and require medical attention, which potentially makes psychiatric treatment even more complex,” explains Rafael Mandelbaum, CEO of Far.me.
“Therefore, it is essential that the debate on mental health considers the complexity of the conditions that affect individuals at different stages of life, promoting with psychologists and doctors a holistic approach that meets the specific needs of each age group,” concludes the executive .
The study findings point to the urgency of promoting ongoing mental health awareness at all ages, underlining that treatment must be tailored to the needs of each stage of life, ensuring that everyone has access to appropriate care.
Source: Terra
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