Abstract

Background and Aims:
Psychotropic drug utilization studies are essential to assess prescribing rationality and identify determinants influencing drug choice, especially in resource-limited settings. Socio-economic factors play a pivotal role in treatment accessibility and rational psychotropic use in India. To evaluate psychotropic prescribing patterns and their association with socio-economic status among patients attending a tertiary care psychiatric outpatient department in Eastern India.
Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over three months (January–March 2025) at Calcutta Pavlov Hospital, Kolkata. A total of 150 prescriptions from adult outpatients (18–60 years) diagnosed with psychiatric disorders (ICD-10 criteria) were analyzed. Data were collected using a structured form and evaluated using WHO prescribing indicators. Socio-economic status was assessed by the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale (2021). Statistical analysis was performed employing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results:
Antipsychotics were the most commonly prescribed class (52%), followed by antidepressants (29.3%). The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.8 ± 1.1, with 86% prescribed by generic name and 90% from the National List of Essential Medicines (2022). Polypharmacy (≥ 2 psychotropics) occurred in 62% of prescriptions. A significant association was found between socio-economic status and drug choice (p = 0.02), with lower-income patients receiving older, cost-effective medications.
Conclusion:
Prescribing practices were largely rational and consistent with WHO recommendations; however, polypharmacy and socio-economic disparities persist. Strengthening prescription audits, promoting generic use, and ensuring equitable access to newer psychotropics are vital to achieving rational and inclusive mental healthcare in India.

Key words: Psychotropic Drugs, Prescribing Patterns, Polypharmacy, Socio-economic Status, Mental Healthcare