In Spain, the consumption of antidepressants per capita has tripled since the beginning of the century, while the use of anxiolytics, hypnotics, and sedatives has doubled, according to data from the OECD. However, these medications do not seem to be curing mental health problems, which are only increasing according to various metrics. The Ministry of Health announced that it will create a guide for the prescription of psychotropic drugs to rationalize their use and address the public health issue. The medicalization of suffering is a concern within the healthcare system, as pills are often prescribed to solve social difficulties rather than addressing underlying issues. The Minister of Health, Mónica García, emphasized that external discomfort cannot be cured with a pill.
The Ministry’s initiative is considered necessary by many professionals but insufficient by some scientific societies. There is concern that the use of drugs may be stigmatized, although the Ministry aims to prioritize the mental health of workers and decrease the excessive consumption of anxiolytics and antidepressants in Spain. The country currently ranks high in the consumption of these medications compared to other nations, with data showing a significant increase over the years. The impact of these substances is not benign, as they can affect attention, motor skills, and contribute to accidents, especially among the elderly.
Verónica Olmo, coordinator of the Mental Health working group of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (Semergen), acknowledges the Ministry’s efforts to address the issue of overprescribing psychotropic drugs. However, the root of the problem lies in the lack of resources and time available to address patients’ social determinants of mental health in primary care settings. Pressure from patients to find immediate solutions to their distress often leads to the prescription of medications, despite not always being the optimal approach. Javier Urra, a psychologist, pedagogue, and therapist, advocates for a balanced approach to medication, emphasizing the importance of addressing the underlying mental health issues rather than relying solely on medication.
Some critics, including Celso Arango, director of the Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Gregorio Marañón Hospital, argue that the focus on psychotropic drugs in the Ministry’s initiative may be stigmatizing for individuals with serious mental health conditions. Arango defends the benefits of medication for patients with severe illnesses, stating that it can be effective, cost-effective, and lifesaving. However, he acknowledges the risk of overprescription and the challenge of tapering off medications, especially in elderly patients. The debate surrounding the appropriate use of psychotropic drugs reflects a larger issue within the healthcare system, where the medicalization of mental health is a growing concern.
Ultimately, the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health care is evident, as medication alone may not address the root causes of mental health issues. The Ministry of Health’s efforts to create a prescription guide for psychotropic drugs are a step in the right direction, but more resources, education, and support are needed to address the complexities of mental health in Spain. By raising awareness about the overuse of psychotropic medications and promoting alternative interventions, healthcare professionals and policymakers can work towards a more holistic and effective approach to mental health care in the country.
