Gender differences in the association between prescribed antidepressants and other prescribed drugs : a nationwide register-based study in Sweden

Background: People with depression are prescribed more drugs than people in general, partly due to comorbidity with other conditions. However, little research has been done on depression-related drug use from a gender perspective. Aim: Examine gender differences in the association between antidepressants, other drugs, and polypharmacy. Methods: Data on drugs dispensed October to December 2016 to all Swedish citizens aged 18-84 years were collected from the Swedish prescribed drug register. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine gender differences in the associations between antidepressants and other drugs. Results: For both men and women, associations were found between antidepressants and drugs for alimentary tract problems, respiratory problems, drugs for the blood, and drugs for the nervous system, analgesics, and polypharmacy. For many of the drugs, for example those for respiratory problems and analgesics, the association was stronger in women than in men. However, concerning drugs for the nervous system and polypharmacy, the association was stronger in men than in women. Furthermore, for women, but not men, associations were found for drugs for diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, dermatological problems, and systemic hormones. Conclusions: Many of the associations between antidepressants and other drugs were found to be specific, or stronger, among women than among men. In some cases, however, the associations were stronger in men. Whether this indicates that men and women differ in comorbidity between depression and other conditions cannot be concluded based on this cross-sectional study. However, physicians should be aware that possible gender differences in comorbidity exist, and because comorbidity between depression and other conditions impairs the possibility of recovery, and decreases adherence, screening for depression could be valuable