EVALUATION OF THE SPECIALIZED COMPONENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE MEDICATION POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF MENTAL HEALTH: CHALLENGES OF ACCESS, INCORPORATION, AND JUDICIALIZATION IN THE BRAZILIAN UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM

Abstract

This article analyzes the effectiveness of the public policy for the provision of psychiatric medications through the Specialized Component of Pharmaceutical Assistance (CEAF), with emphasis on technological incorporation processes, supply management, and judicialization within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). This is a documentary, descriptive, and analytical study with a quantitative approach, based on the analysis of institutional documents, clinical protocols, reports from the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in SUS (CONITEC), data from the Ceará State Health Department, and information regarding lawsuits related to mental health between January 2022 and June 2025. The findings demonstrate regulatory and institutional advances in expanding access to specialized medications, especially after the consolidation of Clinical Protocols and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDTs). However, significant challenges remain regarding delays between incorporation and actual availability of medications, supply shortages, and the increasing judicialization of mental health care. Judicialized psychiatric medications were frequently associated with chronic and high-complexity mental disorders, revealing weaknesses in the implementation of public pharmaceutical policies. The study concludes that strengthening pharmaceutical assistance management, increasing transparency in incorporation and supply processes, and improving intergovernmental integration are essential strategies to ensure the effectiveness of CEAF and promote equity in mental health care within SUS.