ANTIDEPRESSANT CONSUMPTION IN TÜRKİYE DURING THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to reveal how the restrictions, quarantines, social policies, and implemented measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the consumption of antidepressant drugs in Türkiye. Material and Method: The research was conducted based on the total consumption figures of antidepressant drugs between 2017 and 2022. The necessary data were obtained from IQVIA/Turkey and OECD official sources. Result and Discussion: Our study has shown that antidepressant consumption in Türkiye during the pandemic has increased much more than expected. Additionally, alongside countries where consumption has increased in OECD countries, there are countries where consumption has not been affected. Examining countries' social and economic policies where consumption is unaffected during the pandemic would be beneficial. Türkiye's social and economic policies have proven inadequate in psychologically protecting the country's citizens during the pandemic.