La prescription des psychotropes en médecine générale

Abstract

IntroductionThe supply of care in Morocco is characterised by a decrease in the number of psychiatrists [Britt et al., 2016]; collaboration between psychiatrists and general practitioners is necessary given the increase in the demand for care and the prevalence of psychiatric pathologies [Lotrakul & Saipanish, 2006]. The aim of the study is to analyse the prescription of psychotropic drugs in general practitioners. MethodologyThis is a descriptive and analytical survey at the national level in Morocco, during 2017, among general medical doctors through an anonymous self-questionnaire containing 23 items. ResultsIn total, 402 physicians participated in this survey; psychiatric consultations represent 17.3 % on average of medical consultations per day. Physicians’ perception is that their roles are to prescribe psychotropic drugs in 55.5 % of cases and to provide psychotherapy in 31.4 %. Physicians prescribe antidepressants in 67.2 % of cases and anxiolytics in 52.9 %, while neuroleptics are prescribed by only 7.1 % of physicians. Several obstacles to the prescription of psychotropic drugs were mentioned, including the difficulty of monitoring treatment (58.1 %), manipulating prescription (57.6 %), managing adverse reactions (34.9 %) and also the fear of dependence (43.4 %). ConclusionThe results of our study showed that there is a reluctance to manage mental disorders at the primary care service level, especially when there is a lack of collaboration with psychiatrists and training in the field of mental health.