Non pharmacological approaches for Common Mental Disorders: medical experiences in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Common Mental Disorders (CMD), frequent in Primary Health Care (PHC) consultations, are conditions related to mental suffering involving social, economic, familial, and individual determinants. They present as a range of mental and physical symptoms, impacting health and quality of life. This research aimed to analyze non pharmacological therapeutic repertoire used by PHC physicians when managing CMD. Qualitative, analytical, exploratory study was developed through semi-structured interviews with PHC physicians in a mid-sized municipality in São Paulo state, Brazil. Thematic analysis of data revealed that current medical approaches often lean towards medicalization of suffering and reflect insufficiency of health services. Factors such as limited time, inadequate training and disconnection from multidisciplinary teams contribute to excessive use of psychotropics, long waits for referral and perceived low care resolution. Continuous professional training is crucial to subsidize the practice of effective, accessible psychosocial interventions.