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Covre et al. | Journal of Clinical and Translational Research 2024; 10(1): 78-84 81
time, 64.4% felt depressed some time, and 49.2% and 19.7% felt
exhausted most of the time or all the time, respectively. In this
scenario, psychotherapy can be a solution, which, in addition to
being safe, is effective as an alternative form of pharmacological
treatment depending on the condition, bringing a range of
benefits. However, they also have limitations which are worthy of
discussion. The administration of pharmacological treatment leads
to more rapid symptom remission but at the risk of adverse side
effects, whereas psychotherapy requiring weekly follow-up with
the patients can be conducted in a completely safe manner, with
therapeutic progress becoming more noticeable over time [17].
Another factor related to self-medication is that students who
did not have a private health plan were the dominant group of
Figure 1. Profile of drugs used without medical prescription (n = 122).
Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2020. individuals self-medicating themselves with psychotropic drugs
(69.2%). However, students who could afford specialized care,
such as psychotherapeutic assistance, also reported the practice
Table 3. Relationship between self-medication and characteristics of
academics among students who had used psychotropic drugs (n = 61) of self-medication and substance abuse. This number is within
Variable n (%) normal limits, since many treatments such as psychotherapy
are not offered free of charge, and they are beyond the economic
Do you have a health plan? reach of many university students [15]. Thus, the irregular use of
Yes 18 (69.2) medicines is more common among those who seek a quick and
No 8 (30.8) low-cost solution, especially the group without a good medical
Do you have regular medical appointments? insurance. Self-medication can be defined as a practice of treating
Yes 8 (30.8) health problems with approved and available medications, without
No 4 (15.4) prescription and monitoring by a qualified professional, thus
Only when needed 14 (53.8) reducing the effectiveness and safety of the drug in question [18].
Do you think mental health issue is a priority? At present, a standardization instrument, such as clinical follow-up
As a priority and requires medical follow-up 24 (92.4) protocols established and prescribed by qualified professionals is not
As a priority, but does not require medical supervision 1 (3.8) available for the identification of treatments and their diagnoses [15].
As a phase in life and does not require medical supervision 1 (3.8) In addition, many cases of anxiety and major depressive disorder
How do you consider the risk of using psychotropic drugs? would have a better prognosis if non-drug therapeutic measures
High risk 16 (61.6) were associated with pharmacological treatment, which in certain
Moderate risk 9 (34.6) cases are sufficient for remission of symptoms in milder cases [19].
Low risk 1 (3.8) Of those who stated that they had self-medicated at some point
Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2020 in their lives, 66.6% had some type of problem related to this
practice. Although other studies did not portray the prevalence
drugs such as benzodiazepines, stimulants, and antidepressants of this phenomenon, some outlined the risks of practicing self-
were among the most cited drugs in this study. Indiscriminate medication, such as serious adverse reactions or poisoning that
use of these drugs can cause mild symptoms such as intestinal can lead to death. One of the hypotheses raised by the researchers
dysfunction, medium symptoms such as tachycardia, nervousness, carrying out this study was that having training in the health
and excessive excitement, and even, under rare circumstances, discipline could influence the prevalence of self-medication
hepatitis, leukopenia, Parkinsonian syndrome, mental confusion, practice, but this remains to be validated.
hypomania, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, chills, Despite some limitations inherent to the design of the present
tremors, diarrhea, and incoordination [12]. Some symptoms study, as the analysis is based on the self-reported responses,
require immediate medical attention because negligence in our findings corroborate the literature, evidencing the need
delivering appropriate treatments can result in sequelae, such as for professional support for students due to their extensive
anorexia, disturbed sleep, sexual dysfunction, increased appetite academic curriculum and pressures, which serve as a trigger for
and weight, and muscle twitching [15]. mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychoactive
Among the interviewees, those who report issues in carrying substance abuse. It should be noted that some students have
out their daily activities are more inclined to practicing self- attempted inappropriate self-medication that put their health in
medication. Among the reasons that may be related to this finding hazard; a plausible explanation for this phenomenon is that they
is the attempt to overcome symptoms that hinder adaptation to have incomplete knowledge about medical practice and limited
the demands of university life [16]. The difficulty in carrying out experience, but the same justification cannot be applied to the
activities may also be related to changes in mental health among already trained and qualified professionals, who have attempted
students after entering college: 49.2% felt nervous most of the self-medication and face the same problems [20-22].
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36922/jctr.00093