Prescription of psychotropic drugs to women in situations of violence: perspectives of professionals in support services in the Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica

Abstract

Introduction: several sources confirm the overrepresentation of women in the consumption of psychotropic drugs, as well as specific differences in the patterns of prescription to women who experience violence. This is a public health issue that deserves an interdisciplinary analysis that integrates the gender approach. Objective: to explore the perspective of institutional officials regarding the prescription of psychotropic drugs to women treated for situations of violence. Methodology: an exploratory-descriptive study was developed based on qualitative research methods that integrated documentary sources and consultation with experts through the semi-structured interview technique. Results: the use of antidepressants and anxiolytics is frequent in this population, whose main routes of access are prescription at the first level of health care and self-medication. There are various nuances about the role of psychotropic drugs in the critical path of women affected by violence, but there is a consensus that this should be only one of the possible health interventions. Conclusions: the findings suggest that in addressing the impact of violence against women by the sector, a traditional paradigm prevails, whose main response is pharmacological intervention. Gender-based violence must be considered within the social determinants of mental health, recognizing the risks posed by its medicalization.