Prevalence and risk factors for misuse of prescription psychotropic drug in patients with severe mental illness: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective. The misuse of prescription psychotropic drugs is a major health problem. One of the most exposed groups to the use of these substances is people with a severe mental illness. The aim of this review is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of problematic use of psychoactive prescription drugs in patients with SMI.

Method. A systematic review was conducted following a PRISMA protocol through the scientific databases PubMed, Web Of Science, SCOPUS, ProquestPsycho and PsycInfo. The review was conducted from January 2011 to December 2021. Information on the misuse of prescribed psychotropic drugs and the levels of dependence generated in the severe mental illness population was examined.

Results. A total of 477 studies were identified, and 5 were selected according to the established criteria. Between 26% and 48.7% of patients with severe mental illness misuse prescribed psychotropic drugs and develop dependence. Other drug use problems, having a history of benzodiazepine prescription, perceive drug use as essential, prolonged use, impulsivity and self-harm behaviors were shown as risk factors for developing misuse of prescribed psychotropic drugs.

Conclusions. The severe mental illness population lives with several factors that make them vulnerable to the risk of developing misuse of prescribed psychoactive substances. Future studies are needed, since the current evidence is limited, and does not delve into the effects and treatment of misuse of prescribed psychotropic drugs in these patients.