ABSTRACT:
The current process of medicalization in our society has occurred in several directions, indicating that any malaise can be treated with medicines. This study aimed to understand the beginning of the use of psychotropic medicines to overcome the problems faced in individuals’ daily lives. In-depth interviews were carried out with 19 individuals about their reasons to start taking psychotropic medicines. This study used Heidegger’s philosophical assumptions and data analysis as proposed by Max van Manen. The analysis revealed the theme, ‘Human beings are like that, we suffer. But some days are worse’, which refers to the difficulties experienced that triggered feelings of anger, anxiety, stress, sadness and anguish, leading to the use of psychotropic medicines. The experience of the difficulties faced in life was pointed out as the main reason to start using medicine to preserve individuals’ mental health.
Keywords:
Medicalization; psychotropic; hermeneutics
Thumbnail
Source: The authors.