Sweden Sees Markedly Higher Antidepressant Prescriptions Compared to Neighbors

The use of antidepressants in Sweden has significantly increased from 1994 to 2021, placing the country above its neighbors Denmark and Norway in prescription rates, especially among children and youth. Data reveals that in 2021, prescription rates for individuals aged 10 to 19 in Sweden were two to five times higher than those in nearby countries. Notably, nearly 9% of Swedish girls aged 15 to 19 had antidepressants dispensed to them, compared to only about 3% in Denmark and Norway.

According to Marcel Ballin, a researcher at the Swedish Medical Products Agency, treatment guidelines for depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders are similar in the three countries. Thus, these contrasting prescription levels likely stem from sociocultural and structural differences in healthcare approaches and availability. Psychotherapy is generally recommended for milder mental health conditions, while antidepressants are prescribed for more severe cases. However, limited access to psychotherapy may be contributing to elevated medication use in Sweden.

While the trends highlighted are based on data up to 2021, ongoing indications suggest that Sweden’s increasing reliance on antidepressants has continued in recent years. This development underscores critical public health considerations related to youth mental health treatment strategies within Sweden compared to its Nordic neighbors.