SELF-MEDICATION WITH PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS IN THE TREATMENT OF ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENTS: CLINICAL RISKS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PHARMACEUTICAL INTERVENTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63330/armv2n5-003Keywords:
Anxiety Disorders, Psychotropic Drugs, Rational Use of Medicines, Pharmaceutical Care, Adolescent HealthAbstract
Anxiety in adolescence represents a significant public health issue, intensified in recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic period. A progressive increase in the prescription of psychopharmaceuticals for this population has been observed, primarily antidepressants and anxiolytics. In parallel, the practice of self-medication is growing, characterized by the use of medications without professional prescription or adequate supervision, a situation that may expose adolescents to clinical, neurobiological, and behavioral risks. This study aims to analyze the risks of self-medication with psychopharmaceuticals in adolescents with anxiety symptoms and to discuss the importance of pharmaceutical intervention in promoting the rational use of medicines. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases, covering publications between 2020 and 2025. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the use of psychotropic drugs following the pandemic, as well as risks such as dependence, withdrawal syndrome, and initial worsening of symptoms. It is concluded that pharmaceutical practice is essential in preventing self-medication and ensuring therapeutic safety.
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