Depressão e Automedicação entre Estudantes da Área da Saúde: Prevalência, Causas e Impactos

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence, causes, and impacts of self-medication related to depression among university students in the health sciences. The methodology adopted was an integrative literature review, conducted using the databases PubMed, SciElo, and Google Scholar, encompassing articles published between 2005 and 2024. Out of the initial 302 articles, after applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, four articles were selected for detailed analysis. The main findings indicate a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among health sciences students, directly related to factors such as academic overload, sleep deprivation, performance pressure, and a competitive environment. The practice of self-medication, particularly with psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants and anxiolytics, emerged as a frequent dysfunctional strategy, exacerbating depressive conditions and delaying appropriate diagnosis. Moreover, an academic culture that normalizes suffering and discourages seeking professional help was observed. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for higher education institutions to implement active policies for the prevention and promotion of mental health, with continuous psychological support and educational campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of self-medication.