Patterns of Use of Mental Health Services and Prescription Medications

Medicare-subsidised psychiatrist services are services provided by a psychiatrist (or, in some circumstances, by another medical practitioner) on a fee-for-service basis that are partially or fully funded under the Australian Government’s Medicare program. These services cover patient consultations provided in different settings as well as services such as group psychotherapy, telepsychiatry, case conferences and electroconvulsive therapy[1].

There were 296,400 Australians (1.4% of the total population) who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011. Overall, females were slightly more likely to have had a consultation with a Psychiatrist than males (1.5% compared with 1.3%).

Women aged 35-54 years recorded the highest rates of Psychiatrist consultations in 2011 (around 2% of all women aged 35-54 years).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Of all people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011, more than half (56.9%) also had at least one prescription filled for Antidepressant medications in 2011, one-third (33.4%) also had at least one mental health-related consultation with a GP, and 31.2% also had at least one prescription filled for Antipsychotic medications. Around one in five (19.3%) saw a Psychiatrist only, with no other MBS or PBS subsidised mental health-related treatment in 2011.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads section Table 2.

In 2011, people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist had an average of 7.1 consultations over the year, with around one-quarter (23.2%) having one consultation only. A further 15.5% had two consultations, 10.8% had three consultations, and the remainder (50.5%) had four or more consultations over the calendar year.

Of people who had an MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011, females had higher numbers of consultations (7.9 consultations on average) than males (6.0 consultations).

Of people who had an MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011, children had fewer consultations than adults (3.7 consultations on average for 0-14 year olds compared with 7.7 consultations for people aged 45-64 years).

Of all people who had an MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011, people living in Major Cities had more consultations on average than people in other areas of Australia (7.4 consultations on average for people in Major Cities compared with 4.0 consultations for people in Remote/Very Remote Australia).

Similarly, of all people who had an MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011, people living in areas of the least disadvantage in Australia had more consultations on average (8.2 consultations) than people living in areas of most disadvantage (5.7 consultations).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had an least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011 by number of consultations, see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012, Mental Health Services in Australia, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-brief-2012/contents/table-of-contents, last accessed 18/03/2016.

General Practitioners (GP) play a central role in the delivery of health care to the Australian community. Typically GPs are the first point of contact in matters of personal health, providing coordination of patient care, referral of patients to other specialists, and other services[1].

Under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), GPs provide a range of subsidised mental health-related services such as the preparation of GP Mental Health Treatment Plans which provide a framework to undertake early intervention, assessment and management of patients with mental disorders, as well as providing referral pathways to clinical psychologists, registered psychologists, and appropriately trained social workers and occupational therapists[2].

In this publication, consultations with GPs refer to those that were recorded as mental health-related services. Appendix 1 lists the relevant MBS items. Consultations with GPs that may have involved discussion of mental health issues but were not recorded as mental-health related services were not captured in the Mental Health Services-Census Integrated Dataset.

There were 1.2 million Australians (5.7% of the total population) who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP in 2011. Females were more likely than males to have had a mental health-related consultation with a GP (7.1% compared with 4.2%).

Women aged 35-44 years had the highest rate of mental health-related GP consultations in 2011 (10.5%).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Of all people who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP in 2011, around one-third (34.7%) also had at least one PBS subsidised prescription filled for Antidepressant medications in 2011, while 29.3% also had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist. Around three in ten (28.6%) saw only a GP, with no other MBS or PBS subsidised mental health-related treatment in 2011.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads section Table 2.

Almost two-thirds (65.0%) of people who had a mental health-related GP consultation in 2011 had one consultation only. A further 20.2% had two consultations in 2011, 6.9% had three consultations, and 8.0% had four or more consultations.

While females were more likely than males to have had a mental health-related consultation with a GP in 2011 (7.1% compared with 4.2%), the pattern of use in terms of their numbers of consultations was similar. Around two-thirds (66.7%) of females who had a mental health-related GP consultation in 2011 had one consultation only, similar to the proportion of males (64.0%).

Patterns of use in terms of number of consultations by other socio-demographic characteristics such as state/territory of usual residence, remoteness and household income were similar. For example, 64.3% of people living in areas of most disadvantage in Australia who had a mental health-related GP consultation in 2011 had one consultation only, similar to the proportion for people living in areas of least disadvantage (66.2%).

However, of people who had a mental health-related GP consultation in 2011, children aged 0-14 years were more likely to have had one consultation only (78.9%) than people aged 15 years and over (63.8%).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP in 2011 by number of consultations, see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Becoming a GP in Australia, http://www.racgp.org.au/becomingagp/what-is-a-gp/, last accessed 18/03/2016.
2. Department of Health, 2012, GP Mental Health Treatment Medicare Items, http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/pacd-gp-mental-health-care-pdf-qa#1, last accessed 18/03/2016.

Clinical Psychologists diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of mental and general health issues affecting adults, children and families. Medicare-subsidised Psychologist services are services provided by psychologists that are rebatable by Medicare through psychological therapy services, focussed psychological strategies and enhanced primary care items[1].

There were 260,300 Australians (1.2% of the total population) who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist in 2011. Females were more likely than males to have had a consultation with a Clinical Psychologist (1.5% compared with 0.9%).

Women aged 25-34 years and 35-44 years had the highest rates of consultations with Clinical Psychologists in 2011 (2.3% for both age groups).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Of all people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist in 2011, around four in five (81.3%) also had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP, while around one-third (31.0%) also had at least one PBS subsidised prescription filled for Antidepressant medications. Around one in nine (11.0%) saw a Clinical Psychologist only, with no other MBS or PBS subsidised mental health-related treatment in 2011.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads section Table 2.

In 2011, people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist had an average of 5.2 consultations over the year, with one in six (16.7%) people having one consultation only.

The small peaks in the rates of people having either six (9.1%) or ten (6.2%) consultations (see graph below) are consistent with the Australian Government's Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative which enables GPs, psychiatrists and paediatricians to refer patients for an initial six (and further four) subsidised MBS mental health-related consultations with appropriately qualified GPs and eligible psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists[2]. A similar pattern is apparent for consultations with Other Psychologists and Other Allied Health Professionals.

While females were more likely than males to have had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist in 2011 (1.5% compared with 0.9%) their patterns of numbers of consultations were similar, with females having an average of 5.3 consultations and males an average of 5.0 consultations over the year.

Of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist in 2011, people of middle age had the highest number of consultations. People aged 45-54 years as well as those aged 55-64 years had 5.4 consultations on average with Clinical Psychologists in 2011. In comparison, children aged 0-14 years and older people (75 years and over) had 4.6 consultations on average.

Of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist in 2011, people living in Major Cities had more consultations on average than people in other areas of Australia (5.3 consultations on average for people in Major Cities compared with 3.9 consultations for people in Remote/Very Remote Australia).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Clinical Psychologist in 2011 by number of consultations, see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012, Mental health services in Australia, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-brief-2012/contents/table-of-contents, last accessed 18/03/2016.
2. Department of Health, 2015, Better access to mental health care: fact sheet for patients, https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/AD7820EAC9F90D90CA25817900186FB2/$File/Fact%20sheet%20-%20BA%20for%20patients.pdf, last accessed 18/03/2016.

MBS subsidised Other Psychologist services include a range of mental health-related services such as focussed psychological strategies provided by mental health workers, occupational therapists and social workers[1].

There were 438,600 Australians (2.0% of the total population) who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist in 2011. Females were more likely than males to have had a consultation with an Other Psychologist (2.5% compared with 1.5%), with women aged 35-44 years having the highest rate of consultations (3.9%).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Similar to people who saw a Clinical Psychologist in 2011, around four in five (81.9%) people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist in 2011 also had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP, while around one-third (31.9%) also had at least one PBS subsidised prescription filled for Antidepressant medications. Around one in nine (11.5%) saw an Other Psychologist only, with no other MBS or PBS subsidised mental health-related treatment in 2011.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads sections Table 2.

In 2011, people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist had an average of 4.9 consultations during the year, with around one-fifth (18.3%) having one consultation only.

The small peaks in the rates of people having either six (8.8%) or ten (5.4%) consultations (see graph below) are consistent with the Australian Government's Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative which enables GPs, psychiatrists and paediatricians to refer patients for an initial six (and further four) subsidised MBS mental health-related consultations with appropriately qualified GPs and eligible psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists[2]. A similar pattern is apparent for consultations with Clinical Psychologists and Other Allied Health Professionals.

While females were more likely than males to have had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist in 2011 (2.5% compared with 1.5%) their patterns of numbers of consultations were similar, with men having an average of 4.8 consultations and females an average of 5.0 consultations.

Of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist in 2011, people of middle age had the highest average number of consultations. People aged 55-64 years had 5.2 consultations on average with Other Psychologists in 2011 while people aged 45-54 years had 5.1 consultations on average. Older and younger people had the fewest number of consultations on average. People aged 75 years and over who saw an Other Psychologist in 2011 had 4.4 consultations on average, while children aged 0-14 years as well as 15-24 years olds had 4.7 consultations on average.

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with an Other Psychologist in 2011 by number of consultations, see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012, Mental health services in Australia, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-brief-2012/contents/table-of-contents, last accessed 18/03/2016.
2. Department of Health, 2015, Better access to mental health care: fact sheet for patients, https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/AD7820EAC9F90D90CA25817900186FB2/$File/Fact%20sheet%20-%20BA%20for%20patients.pdf, last accessed 18/03/2016.

Other Allied Health Professionals provide a range of Medicare-subsidised mental health-related services such as focussed psychological strategies and enhanced primary care services. Other Allied Health Professionals include Indigenous health workers, mental health nurses, occupational therapists and some social workers as well as psychologists[1].

There were 45,700 Australians (0.2% of the total population) who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with an Other Allied Health Professional in 2011.

Females were more likely than males to have had at least one mental health-related consultation with an Other Allied Health Professional in 2011 (0.3% compared with 0.1% respectively). Women aged 25-54 years recorded the highest rates of Other Allied Health Professional consultations (around 0.4%), although these are relatively small compared with the proportion of women of the same age who accessed MBS subsidised services such as Psychiatrists and Clinical and Other Psychologists (around 1.7%–3.9%).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with an Other Allied Health Professional in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Of all people who had at least one mental health-related consultation with an Other Allied Health Professional in 2011, around four in five (79.9%) also had at least one mental health-related consultation with a GP in 2011 while around one-third (30.4%) also had at least one prescription filled for Antidepressant medications.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with an Other Allied Health Professional in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads section Table 2.

In 2011, people who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with an Other Allied Health Professional had an average of 5.2 consultations during the year, with 17.5% having one consultation only.

The small peaks in the rates of people having either six (8.4%) or ten (5.8%) consultations with Other Allied Health Professionals in 2011 (see graph below) are consistent with the Australian Government's Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative which enables GPs, psychiatrists and paediatricians to refer patients for an initial six (and further four) subsidised MBS mental health-related consultations with appropriately qualified GPs and eligible psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists[2]. A similar pattern is apparent for consultations with Clinical Psychologists and Other Psychologists.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with an Other Allied Health Professional in 2011 by number of consultations see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012, Mental health services in Australia, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-brief-2012/contents/table-of-contents, last accessed 18/03/2016.
2. Department of Health, 2015, Better access to mental health care: fact sheet for patients, https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/AD7820EAC9F90D90CA25817900186FB2/$File/Fact%20sheet%20-%20BA%20for%20patients.pdf, last accessed 18/03/2016.

Antipsychotics consist of a group of medications used to treat symptoms of psychosis. While they do not provide a 'cure' for psychosis, they can be an effective part of treatment. During a psychotic episode, a person may experience delusions, hallucinations or thought disturbances. Antipsychotic medications work to minimise these symptoms[1].

There were 349,900 people (1.6% of the Australian population) who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for an Antipsychotic medication filled in 2011.

Overall, males and females were equally likely to have had a prescription for Antipsychotic medications filled in 2011, however, their relative patterns of use differed across age. While rates of use generally increased with increasing age for both males and females, males aged 0-44 years had higher rates of use than females of the same age, while males aged 55 years and over had lower rates than females of the same age. People aged 75 years and over had the highest rate of use of any age group, of one in twenty people (5.0%).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Antipsychotic medication in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Of all people who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antipsychotic medications filled in 2011, more than half (55.3%) also had at least one PBS subsidised prescription filled for Antidepressant medications in 2011 while almost one-third (32.2%) also had at least one script filled for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications. Around one-quarter also had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with either a Psychiatrist (26.5%) or General Practitioner (26.2%) in 2011.

Around one in five (22.7%) people had only a prescription for Antipsychotic medications filled in 2011, with no other type of MBS or PBS subsidised mental health-related treatment in 2011. When interpreting this, it should be noted that some consultations with health professionals at which Antipsychotic medications were prescribed may not have been recorded as a mental-health related service, or may have occurred earlier than 2011. These consultations were not captured in the Mental Health Services-Census Integrated Dataset on which this analysis is based.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Antipsychotic medication in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads section Table 2.

People who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antipsychotic medications filled in 2011 had an average of 8.3 scripts filled over the year. Around one in seven people (14.8%) had only one Antipsychotic script filled, while 16.7% had 11–13 scripts. This would equate to around one script per month in 2011.

Males who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antipsychotic medications filled in 2011 had an average of 8.4 scripts filled during the year, similar to the average for females of 8.2 scripts.

Across age, of people who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antipsychotic medications filled in 2011, people of middle age had the highest averages. People aged 45-54 years had 9.4 scripts filled on average followed by people aged 55-64 years (9.3 scripts). Children aged 0-14 years who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antipsychotic medications filled in 2011 had an average of 5.3 scripts filled during the year.

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Antipsychotic medication in 2011 by number of prescriptions filled, see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. Victoria State Government, 2015, Antipsychotic medications, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/antipsychotic-medications, last accessed 18/03/2016.

Anxiolytic medications are preparations used in the treatment of neuroses and psychosomatic disorders associated with anxiety and tension, and Hypnotics and sedatives are preparations with mainly sedative or hypnotic actions[1].

There were 921,100 people (4.3% of the Australian population) who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications filled in 2011.

Overall, females were more likely than males to have had a prescription for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications filled in 2011 (5.4% compared with 3.1% respectively). Rates of use increased with age, and particularly sharply around ages 65-74 years. Almost one-quarter (23.0%) of women aged 75 years and over had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for an Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medication filled in 2011.

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medication in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Of all people who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications in 2011, nearly half (46.7%) also had at least one PBS subsidised prescription filled for Antidepressant medications in 2011, while 17.5% also had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP.

Almost half (44.8%) had only a prescription for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications filled in 2011, with no other type of MBS or PBS subsidised mental health-related treatment in 2011. When interpreting this, it should be noted that some consultations with health professionals at which Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications were prescribed may not have been recorded as a mental-health related service, or may have occurred earlier than 2011. These consultations were not captured in the Mental Health Services-Census Integrated Dataset on which this analysis is based.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medication in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads section Table 2.

People who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedatives medication filled in 2011 had an average of 5.3 scripts filled in the year. Around one-third (37.4%) had only one Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative script filled and a further 29.7% had 2–4 scripts filled in 2011.

While females were more likely than males to have had a prescription for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications filled in 2011 (5.4% compared with 3.1% respectively), their average number of scripts were similar (5.3 scripts on average for females and 5.4 for males).

Of people who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications filled in 2011, people with a need for assistance with core activities (for example, those relating to self-care, communication and mobility) had the highest average number of scripts filled (7.3 scripts compared with 4.7 scripts on average for people with no need for assistance).

Across age, people aged 35-44 years and 45-54 years had the highest average number of scripts for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedatives medication filled (6.5 and 6.6 scripts in 2011, respectively), while children aged 0-14 years had the lowest (2.1 scripts). Similarly, people living in the most disadvantaged areas of Australia had higher average numbers of scripts compared with people in least disadvantaged areas (6.0 scripts on average compared with 4.3 respectively).

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medication in 2011 by number of prescriptions filled, see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2013, Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment. http://www.whocc.no/filearchive/publications/1_2013guidelines.pdf, last accessed 18/03/2016.

Antidepressants are medicines that are typically used to treat depression, anxiety and related conditions, such as eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder[1].

There were 1.7 million people (7.8% of the Australian population) who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antidepressant medications filled in 2011.

Overall, females were more likely than males to have had a prescription for Antidepressant medications filled in 2011 (9.9% compared with 5.6% respectively), with rates of use increasing with age. Almost one-quarter (24.0%) of all females aged 75 years or over had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for an Antidepressant medication filled in 2011.

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Antidepressant medication in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Of all people who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antidepressant medications filled in 2011, one-quarter (25.6%) also had at least one PBS subsidised prescription filled for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications in 2011 while one-quarter (25.3%) also had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related GP consultation.

Almost half (46.9%) had only a prescription for Antidepressant medications filled in 2011, with no other type of MBS or PBS subsidised mental health-related treatment in 2011. When interpreting this, it should be noted that some consultations with health professionals at which Antidepressant medications were prescribed may not have been recorded as a mental-health related service, or may have occurred earlier than 2011. These consultations were not captured in the Mental Health Services-Census Integrated Dataset on which this analysis is based.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Antidepressant medication in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads section Table 2.

People who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antidepressant medications filled in 2011 had an average of 8.2 scripts filled during the year. Around one in seven (14.4%) had only one Antidepressant script filled while nearly one-quarter (24.6%) had 11–13 scripts. This would equate to around one script per month in 2011.

While females were more likely than males to have had a prescription for Antidepressant medications filled in 2011 (9.9% compared with 5.6% respectively), their average number of scripts filled were similar (8.4 scripts on average for females and 8.0 for males).

Of people who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antidepressant medications filled in 2011, older people and people with a need for assistance with core activities (for example, those relating to self-care, communication and mobility) had the highest average number of scripts filled. People aged 65-74 years had 9.0 scripts filled on average in 2011 while people with a need for assistance had 9.9 scripts filled on average. Children aged 0-14 years who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Antidepressant medications filled in 2011 had an average of 5.4 scripts filled.

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Antidepressant medication in 2011 by number of prescriptions filled, see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. Health Direct Australia, Antidepressants medicines, http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/#!/antidepressant-medicines, last accessed 18/03/2016.

Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropics are medications used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to improve impaired cognitive abilities[1].

There were 81,400 people (0.4% of the Australian population) who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medications filled in 2011. Almost two-thirds (65.2%) of these were males aged 0-24 years and a further 17.5% were females of the same age.

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Psychostimulant, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medication in 2011 see Data downloads section Table 2.

Of all people who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medications filled in 2011, around one in five (21.4%) also had at least one MBS subsidised consultation with a Psychiatrist in 2011, 18.1% also had at least one MBS subsidised mental health-related consultation with a GP, and 17.0% also had at least one PBS subsidised prescription filled for Antidepressant medications.

More than half (53.7%) had only a prescription for Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medications filled in 2011, with no other type of MBS or PBS subsidised mental health-related treatment in 2011. It should however be noted that paediatrician services were not captured in the Mental Health Services-Census Integrated Dataset on which this analysis is based, and that a proportion of these people may have received their scripts from paediatricians in 2011.

For information on socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Psychostimulant, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medication in 2011 in combination with other treatment types see Data downloads section Table 2.

People who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medications filled in 2011 had an average of 7.0 scripts filled during the year. Around one in nine (11.2%) had only one script filled in 2011, while around one in five (19.1%) had 11–13 scripts. This would equate to around one script per month in 2011.

While males were more likely than females to have had a prescription for Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medications filled in 2011 (0.6% compared with 0.2% respectively), their average numbers of scripts filled were similar (7.1 scripts on average for males and 6.9 scripts for females).

Across age there was relatively little variation in the average number of scripts filled by people who accessed Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medications in 2011. Similarly there was relatively little variation across other socio-demographic characteristics such as geography, labour force status and household income.

For information on other socio-demographic characteristics of people who accessed at least one PBS subsidised Psychostimulant, agents used for ADHD and nootropic medication in 2011 by number of prescriptions filled, see Data downloads section Table 5.

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2009, Mental health-related prescriptions, http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442457113, last accessed 18/03/2016.

1. Department of Health, 2015, Primary Health Networks (PHNs), http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/primary_health_networks, last accessed 18/03/2016.

31/03/2016 - The replacement contains corrections to broken links on the Contents pages of Data downloads section Tables 5, 6 and 7. No other corrections have been made.