Medicalization of psychic suffering in Primary Health Care in a small town in the state of Ceara, Brazil

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss how the phenomenon of the medicalization of psychological distress appears in the discourse and practice of Primary Health Care professionals. Systematic observations and semi-directive interviews were conducted with seven workers in the city of Iguatu, Ceará, Brazil. Data analysis was performed using Bardin's Content Analysis. The results pointed to a centrality in the use of medication to attend the psychological suffering that reaches the health units. The professionals spoke about the medication as a quick and efficient strategy, which, in line with the researched literature, can be used as a device to control the subject in psychic illness. It is considered possible to mobilize discussion spaces with professionals that point to the care of people with psychological distress through the use of light technologies, such as listening, bonding and dialogue.