Table 1 Changes in the lithium prescription rate in several European countries over the last two decades
Study | Country | Period | Data source | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bohlken et al. 2020 | Germany | 2009–2018 | Neuropsychiatric private practices' records | The percentage of patients with bipolar disorder receiving lithium declined from 31,4% (2009) to 26,2% (2018) |
Rhee et al. 2020 | United States | 1997–2000 vs. 2013–2016 | Outpatient physician reports of patient visits | The percentage of patients with bipolar disorder receiving lithium declined from 30,4% (1997–2000) to 17,6% (2013–2016) |
Lyall et al. 2019 | Scotland | 2009–2016 | Records of outpatient clinic attendance, general/acute hospital admissions and psychiatric hospital admissions | The percentage of patients with bipolar disorder receiving lithium declined from 26% (2009) to 22% (2016) |
Renes et al. 2018 | Netherlands | 2009–2014 | Outpatient psychiatrists’ and patients’ surveys | Lithium was used by 70% of patients with bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type |
Karanti et al. 2016 | Sweden | 2007–2013 | Records of private and public psychiatric outpatient health care units | The percentage of patients with bipolar disorder receiving lithium declined from 51% (2007) to 41% (2013) |
Kessing et al. 2016 | Denmark | 2000–2011 | Records of all Danish patients with a first-ever contact with mental healthcare | The one-year prescription rate of lithium in bipolar patients decreasedfrom 41% (2000) to 34% (2011) |
Parabiaghi et al. 2015 | Italy | 2000–2010 | A population-based database of dispensing records | The prevalence of lithium treatment grew by 38% duringthe observation period |
Hayes et al. 2011 | England | 1995–2009 | Records of primary care patients | The prescriptionrate for lithium increased from 22.5% (1995) to 29.3% (2009) |
Castells et al. 2006 | Spain | 1985–2003 | Pharmacy sales data of medicinal products | Lithium daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) increased from 0.21 (1985) to 0.79 (2003) |