Resumo

CABRAL, Santiago et al. Use of psychotropic drugs in healthcare personnel, Uruguay 2022: which ones, how, and why. Anfamed [online]. 2026, vol.13, n.1, e205.  Epub 01-Jun-2026. ISSN 2301-1254.  https://doi.org/10.25184/anfamed2025v13n1a11.

Healthcare personnel are exposed to occupational factors that increase the risk of chronic stress, which favors self-prescription of psychotropic medications. The objective was to describe the use of psychotropic medications among healthcare personnel in Uruguay during 2022, with a special focus on self-prescription, working conditions, and the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome (SB). An observational study was conducted through a self-administered survey of healthcare professionals who had used benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, or psychostimulants in the previous 30 days. Sociodemographic, pharmacotherapeutic, occupational, and opinion-perception variables were collected. A total of 149 healthcare professionals were included, mostly physicians, with at least two positions, an average of 45 hours per week, and an average seniority of 12 years. SB was observed in three subjects, and a high level of emotional exhaustion predominated. The most commonly used psychotropic drugs were benzodiazepines (75%), most of them for more than one year. More than half of the respondents accessed benzodiazepines through over-the-counter pharmacies. The reasons for using these drugs were sleep problems and depressive symptoms. The most frequent inappropriate forms of access were medical samples. No relationship was found between psychotropic drug use and workload.

Palavras-chave : Psychotropic Drugs; Health Personnel; Burnout, Professional; Benzodiazepines; Self Medication.

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