[Psychopharmacoepidemiology: differences in prescribing strategies in the inpatient and outpatient settings]. / Psychopharmakoepidemiologie: Qualitative Unterschiede zwischen stationären und ambulanten Verordnungsstrategien.

OBJECTIVE: Doctors' prescribing behaviour in 34 psychiatric hospitals in southern Germany was investigated and compared with outpatient prescribing behaviour of doctors licensed to practise within the German health insurance system. METHODS: On the basis of the AGATE cut-off dates for 2000-2006, we analysed developments in the drug groups antidepressants, neuroleptics, benzodiazepines, and antidementia drugs over time. RESULTS: The proportion of inpatient prescriptions of antidepressants and antidementia drugs is increasing, whereas neuroleptics and benzodiazepines are undergoing the reverse trend. The proportion of generics in inpatient prescriptions is notably lower than in outpatient prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between inpatient and outpatient prescribing behaviour results in a lack of continuity of care. Health economic incentive systems therefore require standardisation.