Risk factors associated with psychotropic drug abuse in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Mental disorders can account for up to one third of the demand for primary care, reaching 50% when subsyndromal conditions such as Common Mental Disorders (CMD) are considered. With that in mind, since their introduction in psychiatry in the 1950s, psychotropic drugs have constituted a relevant part of prescribed medications. Therefore, as with any medication, these substances can cause adverse effects, including dependence and health problems when used for long periods. The methodology adopted in this study was an integrative literature review, the purpose of which is to conduct a scientific investigation on the proposed topic, allowing the integration, synthesis and evaluation of the results of related studies. showed that the abuse of psychotropic drugs is strongly associated with factors such as gender, with women being more affected, and low education and advanced age, which increase vulnerability due to polypharmacy and its consequences. Furthermore, the lack of control and adequate registration in health units, together with the overload of professionals and the fragmentation of care, contribute to the inappropriate use of these drugs.