Sophia Lin

Abstract: A mental disorder is a clinically significant behavioural or psychological pattern that causes distress or impairment in personal, social, or occupational functioning. In 2019, nearly a billion people were living with a mental disorder. Currently, commonly prescribed types of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). In addition to their effectiveness, the affordability of these medications is of utmost importance in treating depression. In this study, I conducted a quantitative analysis of the cost of generic medications and their corresponding brand names, as reported in the comprehensive CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) database, focusing on commonly used antidepressants. The analysis reveals a consistent increase in the total number of 30-day prescriptions filled every year since 2013. This trend suggests that the number of people experiencing depression is rising annually, including during the pandemic period. Notably, the average cost per prescription fill for brand-name drugs is alarmingly higher, ranging from 14 to 71 times higher, compared to their generic counterparts. Furthermore, the price gap between brand names and generics has significantly widened over time. While the cost of generic drugs has gradually decreased, brand-name pharmaceutical companies have consistently increased their prices each year. These findings underscore the need for careful consideration by healthcare administrators and policymakers. Such insights could guide efforts to monitor and strengthen the nation's healthcare systems, ensuring access to high-quality care and improved health outcomes at reasonable costs for everyone affected by psychiatric disorders.

Keywords: Antidepressants, mental health, psychiatric medications, CMS data source.

Date Published: October 2, 2023
DOI: 10.11159/jbeb.2023.002

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