THE INCREASE IN CONSUMPTION OF ANXIOLYTICS IN RECENT TIMES

Abstract

The considerable increase in anxious individuals following the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a greater number of prescriptions and demand for anxiolytics. Although the growth in the consumption of anxiolytics and antidepressants may be associated with the period of uncertainty and concerns generated by the pandemic, there are other issues to be discussed regarding the increased consumption of chronic medications in mental health. In this sense, this research's main objective is to compare the consumption of anxiolytics acquired with medical prescription with indiscriminate use, that is, medication purchased without a prescription, to investigate the consumption of anxiolytics in the current period and to identify the possible causes that contributed to this increase. The methodology is bibliographical research using articles from Google Scholar, Cielo, theses and books, published between 2015 and 2023. It is concluded that there is a need for more guidance in relation to the rational use of anxiolytics in order to reduce the use without guidance medical.