Self-medication with anxiolytics and antidepressants: main risk factors and repercussions

Abstract

Self-medication refers to the consumption of medications on one's own initiative and without a prescription from a health professional to treat self-diagnosed problems or by an individual who is not medically qualified. Self-medication is a common practice in the world and is generally practiced in both developed and developing countries, with a prevalence ranging between 12.1% and 92.8%, respectively. The aim of this article is to provide information on self-medication with antidepressants and anxiolytics, the consequences that the different groups of drugs bring with them when not properly implemented, the factors that influence the decision making to carry out this practice, so that the general population and especially health professionals, both those who are in training and those who have already graduated, be aware of the risks with this type of medication, identify and act in a timely manner in the event of intoxication, providing patient education on the proper use of them, and positively influence the population to have a positive impact on the statistics., avoiding morbimortality, without leaving out the promotion of mental health, by recognizing the risk factors and taking actions for a timely intervention on the risk groups.