Inserção de práticas integrativas em atenção à saúde mental na atenção primária

Abstract

The large increase in the number of people affected by anxiety disorders, with symptoms impacting quality of life, calls attentions to the need for basic mental health care and integrative and complementary practices may contribute to this process. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the contribution of integrative and comprehensive practices in a therapeutic group of subjects with self-reported anxiety. This is a qualitative study using a descriptive-exploratory approach. The sample consisted of 14 members of a therapeutic group aged between 20 and 70 years with symptoms of anxiety. Data collection used the Beck Anxiety Inventory to create a participant profile in order to assess the symptoms of users and focus groups before and after introducing integrative practices, compare the discourses and determine the benefits resulting from the techniques applied. The data were analyzed using descriptive epidemiology and content analysis proposed by Minayo. The results show that despite the attempt at offering comprehensive care via conventional means, there was still a gap in the group, which was filled through the introduction of integrative practices. Another important factor is that in addition to demonstrating the individual and collective emotional benefits of the practices, the study underscores the possibility of reducing the use of medication in favor of simple low-cost technology. It was concluded, therefore, that the association between conventional group practices and their integrative and complementary counterparts in primary care promotes new possibilities for integrality and improving basic mental care.