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. 2021 Jan 25;16(1):e0245866.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245866. eCollection 2021.

Need for self-medication using over-the-counter psychoactive agents: A national survey in Japan

Akihiro Shiina  1 , Tomihisa Niitsu  2 , Masaomi Iyo  2
Affiliations

Need for self-medication using over-the-counter psychoactive agents: A national survey in Japan

Akihiro Shiina et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Self-medication using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is an option for the autonomous treatment of several health problems. However, the use of OTC drugs to treat psychiatric conditions remains controversial. To clarify opinions regarding the use of OTC drugs to treat psychiatric problems, we conducted an anonymous online survey of 3000 people in Japan. Participants were stratified into three groups according to their history of mental health problems. Few participants had engaged in self-medication using OTC drugs for psychiatric symptoms, with the exception of insomnia. Participants who had used OTC drugs reported feeling less satisfied with their experience compared with those who had consulted a specialist. Participants who had used sleeping pills were likely to hold relatively positive opinions regarding the use of OTC psychiatric drugs. In conclusion, the need for self-medication of psychiatric symptoms appears to be limited. Education and further research may be necessary to promote self-medication for proper treatment of psychiatric conditions in Japan.

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Conflict of interest statement

This work was supported by the public interest OTC drug self-medication promotion foundation (http://www.otc-spf.jp/) in Japan. We have no other conflicts of interest to report regarding this study.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Solutions for each mental health symptoms.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Opinion regarding the effectiveness of OTC drugs for insomnia.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Opinion regarding the safety of OTC drugs for insomnia.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Advantages of OTC drugs for psychiatric use.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Disadvantages of OTC drugs for psychiatric use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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