O Efeito do uso Abusivo de Benzodiazepínicos em Pacientes com Transtorno de Ansiedade e o Impacto na Saúde Pública / The Effect of the Abusive use of Benzodiazepines in Patients with Anxiety Disorder and the Impact on Public Health
Resumo
O uso excessivo de benzodiazepínicos por pacientes com transtorno de ansiedade vem se configurando como um desafio crescente para a saúde pública devido ao alto risco de dependência, intoxicação e overdose. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as evidências científicas relacionadas às consequências clínicas e sociais do consumo inadequado dessa classe de medicamentos. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura com busca nas bases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e ScienceDirect, abrangendo artigos publicados entre 2019 e 2025. A análise dos estudos demonstrou aumento expressivo do uso prolongado de benzodiazepínicos, especialmente por indivíduos com transtornos mentais e poliuso de substâncias. Entre os principais prejuízos identificados estão declínio cognitivo, quedas e acidentes, transtornos depressivos e risco aumentado de overdose, particularmente quando associados a opioides ou álcool. Além dos danos diretos à saúde do paciente, destaca-se o impacto negativo na produtividade laboral, elevação de custos assistenciais e vulnerabilidade social. Conclui-se que o uso inadequado de benzodiazepínicos requer maior controle de prescrição, educação em saúde e acompanhamento multiprofissional, reforçando a necessidade de estratégias preventivas para o uso racional dessas substâncias.
Palavras-Chave: Benzodiazepínicos. Intoxicação. Ansiedade. Uso Indevido de Medicamentos.
ABSTRACT
The excessive use of benzodiazepines by patients with anxiety disorders has become a growing public health challenge due to the high risk of dependence, intoxication, and overdose. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence related to the clinical and social consequences of the improper use of this class of medications. An integrative literature review was conducted, searching the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and ScienceDirect databases, covering articles published between 2019 and 2025. The analysis of the studies showed a significant increase in prolonged benzodiazepine use, especially among individuals with mental disorders and polysubstance use. The main harms identified include cognitive decline, falls and accidents, depressive disorders, and an increased risk of overdose, particularly when combined with opioids or alcohol. In addition to the direct damage to the patient's health, there is a notable negative impact on work productivity, increased healthcare costs, and social vulnerability. It is concluded that the inappropriate use of benzodiazepines requires stricter prescription control, health education, and multiprofessional monitoring, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies for the rational use of these substances.
Keywords: Benzodiazepines. Intoxication. Anxiety. Medication Misuse.
Palavras-chave
Referências
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12819/rsf.2026.13.1.4
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Revista Saúde em Foco N° 1/2014