Use of psychoactive drugs by people with mental disorders: Perceptions of nurses

Abstract

Objective: To know the perceptions of nurses on adherence to the use of psychoactive drugs by people with mental disorders. Methods: Exploratory qualitative study developed in 2015, through the application of semi-structured interviews with 23 nurses who worked in four psychosocial care centers in the state of Paraná. The results were analyzed using the categorical thematic analysis technique, proposed by Bardin. Results: The participants reported perceptions referring to the aspects that contribute to adherence of people with mental disorders to the use of psychopharmaceuticals, such as support from a multiprofessional team, therapeutic bond to the healthcare team, faith and spirituality, and family. The interviewees also listed the factors that hinder adherence, such as side and adverse effects, religious fanaticism and absent family. Conclusion: The knowledge of nurses on effective educational health actions oriented to people with mental disorder and their relatives should take into consideration the needs, limitations and potentialities of each individual.