P02-42 - Differences in Psychotropic Drug Prescriptions Among Ethnic Groups in the Netherlands

Abstract

IntroductionDifferences in prevalence rates between different ethnic groups in the Netherlands and Belgium have been demonstrated. But there is no data on treatment differences among ethnic groups in the Netherlands.ObjectivesTo obtain more knowledge on differences in mental health care among ethnic groups in the Netherlands.AimsTo determine whether these minority groups will be more or less likely to be receiving psychotropic drugs.MethodsA descriptive population study was performed using the Agis Health Database, containing data of approximately 1.5 million inhabitants of The Netherlands. Rates of prescriptions of psychotropic drugs from 2001 to 2006 and adjusted odds ratios for psychotropic drug prescriptions among native Dutch, Turkish, and Moroccan ethnic groups were calculated. These data were analyzed using logistic regression, adjusted for age, gender and socioeconomic status.ResultsAmong both the Moroccan and Turkish populations there was a higher risk of antidepressant drug prescriptions, antipsychotic drug prescriptions and a pronounced lower risk of ADHD medication en lithium prescriptions compared with the native population. Among the Turkish population the risk of anxiolytic drug prescriptions compared with the native population was increased.ConclusionsCompared with the native population in the Netherlands, first and second generation Turkish and Moroccan immigrants had an increased risk of antidepressant and antipsychotic drug prescriptions and a decreased risk of ADHD medication and lithium prescriptions. Further research is needed to clarify if patients of different ethnic backgrounds with the same symptoms receive equal diagnosis and treatment.