Uso de psicofármacos por populações acometidas por desastres: uma revisão integrativa

Marina Morandini Luz, Cristiane de Paula Rezende Kirla Barbosa Detoni, Mariana Martins Gonzaga do Nascimento.

Abstract

Natural and unnatural disasters, beside taking lives, can expose survivors to the risk of developing multiple negative outcomes. Among them, the occurrence of mental health problems stands out, which require non-pharmacological and pharmacological management, with the use of psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants or benzodiazepines. In this context, this review aimed to bring together studies that address the use of psychotropic drugs, antidepressants and/or benzodiazepines, among populations directly or indirectly affected by natural and unnatural disasters. For this, an integrative review was carried out, through a bibliographic search in the PubMed and LILACS databases, using descriptors related to disasters and psychotropic drugs. Data collection and analysis was carried out by two independent reviewers and disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Thirteen articles were included in this review, nine of which addressed only antidepressants, one, benzodiazepines and three, both classes. All articles included identified a high prevalence or increase in the use of antidepressants and/or benzodiazepines and most of them addressed natural disasters (n=9), with emphasis on earthquakes (n=5). Such findings demonstrate the need to provide proper health care for populations affected by disasters, as well as to enable the adoption of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures, when necessary. In addition, social support and the implementation of measures for the prevention and mitigation of disasters must be guaranteed.