OBJECTIVES: assessment and comparison of the level of consumption of antidepressants (AD) in Ukraine, Estonia and Norway for 2020-2021.

METHODS: the analysis of AD consumption indicators in Ukraine was carried out using the drug market research system «Pharmstandard» of the company "Morion" using the ATC/DDD methodology. To estimate the indicators of AD consumption in Estonia and Norway, published statistical data of these countries were used.

RESULTS: in Ukraine in 2020-2021 AD was consumed 12.2-13.6 times less than in Estonia and 18.2-21.6 times less than in Norway. The leader in terms of consumption in three countries was escitalopram. The consumption of escitalopram in Estonia was 7.7-9.4 times higher (8.67-9.11 DID), and in Norway it was 16.8-21.3 times higher (19.52-19.84 DID), than in Ukraine. The second place in Ukraine was occupied by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor - paroxetine (0.41-0.46 DID), and in Estonia and Norway - sertraline (6.02-7.16 DID in Estonia), (9.47-10, 48 DID in Norway).

CONCLUSIONS: the level of AD consumption in Ukraine did not correspond to the level of consumption in Estonia and Norway. Consumption volumes in Estonia (37.0-40.73 DID) and Norway (58.72-61.05 DID) exceeded indicators in Ukraine by 12.2-13.6 times and by 18.2-21.6 times, respectively. The leader in terms of consumption in the three countries was escitalopram, but its consumption was significantly higher in Estonia and Norway. Such a difference in the consumption of AD in Ukraine with Estonia and Norway may indicate a much larger number of patients with chronic depression who seek medical help and receive pharmacotherapy.