Uso de plantas medicinais, fitoterápicos e medicamentos sintéticos por mulheres com transtorno mental atendidas em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família – benefícios e interferências

Abstract

The Family Health Unit of the Industrial District (USFBI), located in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais (Brazil), provides care to women seeking mental health services, with psychotropic drugs being the main form of treatment. This study aimed to investigate the use of medicinal plants (MP), herbal medicines, and pharmaceutical drugs by women with mental disorders treated at USFBI, in order to identify potential benefits and interactions related to pharmacotherapy. The study employed a semi-structured, descriptive questionnaire that explored variables such as sociodemographic profile, use and knowledge of MP and/or herbal medicines, use of Integrative and Complementary Practices in Health (PICS), clinical conditions, medications used, and pharmacotherapy evaluation, as well as pharmaceutical actions and counseling. A total of 150 women were interviewed, most of whom were over 61 years old, married, retired, had two children, were Catholic, had not completed primary education, and had lived in the neighborhood for over 10 years. Many reported using MP and/or herbal medicines but usually did not inform their physicians, believing it to be unnecessary. About 60% shared their knowledge with family members and reported knowing traditional healers such as midwives, folk healers, and root specialists. Many cultivated MP in home gardens. The most well-known species were Rosmarinus officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cymbopogon citratus, Foeniculum vulgare, Passiflora edulis/incarnata, Ocimum selloi, and Lippia alba. Most participants were unfamiliar with PICS, although some had previously used practices such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and auriculotherapy. The most frequent diagnoses were anxiety and depression for over 10 years, often associated with grief and family problems. Most women were satisfied with their medications, while those who were not cited reasons such as inefficacy or dependence; some were unable to explain their dissatisfaction. Many had used medications for over a decade and had attempted to discontinue them due to concerns about health risks. Commonly reported drugs for chronic conditions included losartan, metformin, simvastatin, hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, omeprazole, and atenolol. The most used psychotropics were amitriptyline, clonazepam, diazepam, fluoxetine, and alprazolam, with no reports of continuous herbal medicine use. Participants received guidance on the proper use of medications and MP and learned how to cultivate medicinal gardens. This led to the creation of the “Viva com Saúde” Green Space within the health unit, a collaborative initiative between professionals and patients. The findings reveal significant interest among women in the use of MP, highlighting the need for stronger professional engagement and institutional strategies to promote PICS.