Prescribing patterns in patients using new antidepressants

Aims To study possible selective prescribing ('channelling') we compared ch aracteristics of patients using the SSRI sertraline with patients using lon ger available SSRIs. Methods An observational cohort study in 1251 patients being prescribed an SSRI. Results In contrast to other studies, we found no evidence for channeling o f sertraline. Sertraline was mainly prescribed for the labelled indication (depressive disorder), while older SSRIs were more often prescribed also fo r other indications. Time on the market was inversely associated to the pro portion of patients treated for depressive disorder. Conclusions We found no evidence for channeling of sertraline compared with prescribing patterns of older SSRIs.