Differences in the prescription of antipsychotics in Germany

Several statistical surveys show that in spite of strong recommendations first generation antipsychotics are still frequently used in German Hospitals. Reasons for this observation might be among other valid explanations different prevalence rates of the different psychic incidences or socioeconomical considerations. The prescription profiles of first and second generation antipsychotics in Germany in 2003 were determined in collaboration with IMS Health, one of the most popular company for market analysis of pharmaceutical products. The data were acquired and analysed for regions (1–7) and for hospitals showing a level of support (LOS) (3–6) separately. The results show that conventional antipsychotics are prescribed in hospitals with the level of support 3–5 to an significantly higher extend. Except for two regions it can be shown that second generation antipsychotics are preferably used in university clinics (LOS 6). These results demonstrate that still a remarkable number of patients receive first generation antipsychotics. However, significant regional differences are existing.