The use of psychotropic drugs by university students in the health area: a narrative review.

Authors

  • Odair Bonacina Aruda Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina: Chapecó, Santa Catarina, BR
  • Nicole Sangoi Brutti Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina: Chapecó, Santa Catarina, BR
  • Leila Zanatta Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina: Chapecó, Santa Catarina, BR
  • Inés Rivas Fernández Profesora Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería de Lugo

Keywords:

psychotropic drugs, students, Health promotion, rational drug-use

Abstract

Background: The rational use of psychotropic drugs at universities is a topic of increasing relevance, especially considering the context of academic pressure and the mental health challenges faced by students. Objective: Analyze the use of psychotropic drugs by university students in the health sector.

Objective: to analyze rationale use of psychochemical by university students of health programs.

Method: Narrative bibliographic review, following the PRISMA protocol. Results and Results: From the review of the literature, it was possible to identify university students who consume psychotropic drugs, whether in nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, medicine and pharmacy. The use is more frequent among students who are in the first phase, in the middle and at the end of the course and among the drugs used are methylphenidate, diazepam, clonazepam and bromazepam. It was possible to identify the reasons that lead students to use these pharmaceutical products, why students use psychotropic drugs: in the early stages of their studies - difficulties with moving to a new city, starting university and increase in their responsibilities, in the middle of their career - the difficulties are related to having more contact with patients and death, which makes them more responsible, at the end of their career - having more responsibilities in the profession than They have chosen to continue.

Conclusion: the information obtained through the literature review is relevant for health and educational professionals and institutions, since they point out the need to offer emotional and psychological support, as well as adequate guidance for students in these health areas.

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2025-02-18 — Updated on 2025-08-26

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Bonacina Aruda, O., Sangoi Brutti, N., Zanatta, L., & Rivas Fernández, I. (2025). The use of psychotropic drugs by university students in the health area: a narrative review. Revista Enfermeir@s, 1(44), 47–58. Retrieved from https://www.enfermerialugo.org/revista/index.php/enfermeiraos/article/view/7 (Original work published February 18, 2025)

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Vol. 1 No. 44 (2025): Enfermeir@s. Journal of the Illustrious Official College of Nursing of Lugo

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