National trends of psychotropic medication use among patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders: Results from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2004–2009

Data from the 2004 to 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were used to: (1) characterize changes in utilization and (2) identify factors associated with the use of psychotropic medication among patients with anxiety disorders. We calculated the prevalence, compared the use patterns for each year and drug class, and used logistic regression to identify the factors associated with psychotropic medication use. Patients ever using a psychotropic medication for anxiety grew from 57.4% in 2004 to 63.8% in 2009 (p < 0.01). From 2004 to 2009, use of benzodiazepines (22.7–30.5%, p < 0.01) and atypical antipsychotics (2.3–3.9%, p < 0.01) increased. A high prevalence in the use of benzodiazepines (41.8% in 2004 to 48.8% in 2009) was observed among older adults. Older age, having insurance coverage, and poor health status were significantly associated with self-reported psychotropic medication use. An increase of psychotropic medication use from 2004 to 2009 was observed. A high prevalence and increasing trend in the use of benzodiazepines may warrant further attention given safety concerns in older adults.

► We use Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to evaluate pattern of psychotropic medication use among patients with anxiety disorders.
► Patients ever using a psychotropic medication for anxiety grew from 57.4% in 2004 to 63.8% in 2009.
► From 2004 to 2009, the use of atypical antipsychotics (2.3–3.9%) significantly increased.
► A high prevalence in benzodiazepine use (41.8% in 2004 to 48.8% in 2009) was observed in older adults.
► The use of benzodiazepines warrant further attention given safety concerns in older adults.