ANXIETY AND THE USE OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Mental disorders are increasingly common among children and adolescents. Psychotropic medications are the main strategy for the treatment of mental health problems and their use has increased over the years. The study aimed to carry out a survey of articles on the use of psychotropic drugs in childhood and adolescence and their related factors. Data collection was performed using PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILAC'S), Science Direct, and Ibero-American Journal of Humanities, Sciences and Education (REASE) databases to identify studies on the topic between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021. The results showed that the diagnosis of a disorder when it is made early, the probability of cure becomes greater. There was an increase in cases of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Greater safety in the use of psychotropic drugs would reduce the risks of being treated as adults.