Evolution of psychotropic drug user profile in a Primary Care Unit over 20 years
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v42i1.14275Keywords:
Psychotropic drugs, Prescription, Primary health care, Family approachAbstract
Introduction: Portugal is the second country in Europe with the highest prevalence of psychiatric disorders, with anxiety and depression being the most common conditions. It is unsurprising that the consumption of psychotropic drugs has also been on the rise. The main objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of psychotropic drug use, to describe and analyse the population that uses them, and to compare them with the population of the health unit in 2004.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was carried out on a randomised sample of adult patients registered at the Canelas Health Unit, through the administration of a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of the sample was followed by a comparative assessment using the Chi-Square Test or Fisher’s Exact Test.
Results: The prevalence of anxiolytic use was 19.95%, antidepressants 22.37%, and antipsychotics 3.23%. The use of anxiolytics and antidepressants was higher among females, older age groups, and predominantly among widowed individuals. Anxiolytic use was associated with families presenting a high degree of dysfunction, whereas antidepressant use was linked to low educational levels.
Discussion: The study revealed a 50.50% reduction in the use of anxiolytics compared to 2004, accompanied by an increase in the consumption of antidepressants and antipsychotics. This shift reflects greater adherence to current clinical guidelines, which recommend alternatives to benzodiazepines – particularly antidepressants – especially in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Economic factors, such as changes in medication reimbursement policies, may also have influenced these trends.
Conclusion: Despite limitations, such as the difficulty in linking prescriptions to specific diagnoses, the study reinforces the importance of understanding the profile of psychotropic drug users to promote more effective prescribing practices. There was a reversal in usage prevalence compared to 2004, with antidepressants surpassing anxiolytics and hypnotics, highlighting changes both in prescribing patterns and in patient profiles.
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