Avaliação do uso de antidepressivos em acadêmicos de uma universidade do noroeste do Paraná

Abstract

Depression is a psychiatric disorder, severely affecting young adults, such as academics who are undergoing a transition characterized by changes as responsibilities and stressors turning the university a risk factor for the development of the disease. The research aimed to evaluate the use of antidepressants and lifestyle changes that would collaborate with pharmacological treatment among academics at a private institution in Maringá-Pr. An online questionnaire was applied that 119 students responded if they use antidepressants or have already used them. The results showed the highest consumption of antidepressants is in the age group between 18 and 22 years old (62.2%), and many students responded the entering university was a cause for use (54.6%). The most widely used Antidepressants were Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (66.5%). Followed by Tricyclic Antidepressants (8.5%). The main purposes of using the medication were anxiety (76.5%), anguish (51.3%), and excessive discouragement (50.4%). When asked if the indication for antidepressants was due to medical advice, 82.4% answered yes. The main side effects reported were headaches (37.8%) and reduced sexual interest (37.8%). Among the 119, (60.5%) do not eat properly, (57.1%) did not adhere to physical exercise, (68.9%) drink alcohol together with antidepressants, as well (60.5%) do not do any alternative treatment or psychotherapies. Therefore, programs aimed at treating mental health need to be structured so that there is a multidisciplinary approach to patients with depression for treatment to be effective.