Self-medication is the selection and use of medicines by individuals (or a member of the individual’s family) to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms.
Self-medication without a prescription disrupts the process and increases the frequency of side effects. Several benefits have been linked to appropriate self-medication, among them: increased access to medication and relief for the patient, the active role of the patient in their health care, better use of physicians and pharmacists’ skills, and reduced (or at least optimized) burden of governments due to health expenditure linked to the treatment of minor health conditions However, self-medication is far from being a completely safe practice, in particular in the case of non-responsible self-medication. Potential risks of self-medication practices include incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, infrequent but severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, wrong dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of severe disease and risk of dependence and abuse.
There is a self-medication hypothesis that relates to substance use as an attempt to cope with stress, depression, and anger. There is a self-medication hypothesis that relates to substance use as an attempt to cope with stress, depression, and anger. Individuals choose specific substances to reduce or increase particular emotions. For example, opiate use is thought to be associated with managing hostile and violent emotions. In the short term, substance use to manage emotions may be adaptive because these substances relieve individuals from intense emotional states. And, in the long term, chronic substance use can contribute to self-regulation deficits, somatic symptoms, and neurobiological changes.
Self-medication for mental illness is a serious matter, often with wrong and harmful consequences. To cope appropriately, it is necessary to get help from the staff because the management of mental illness requires the intervention of specialists. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists can make the correct diagnosis and create a treatment plan. Using drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms often worsens and prolongs the problem. Arbitrary use of medicines or other means is not allowed. In addition, as already mentioned, online resources should be used with caution when self-medication is needed. Although online forums and groups can be supportive, they should not be used as a substitute for a doctor’s consultation. Online tests and forums can be subjective and uncertain, so we should share our symptoms with experienced specialists. This will help the patient receive a treatment that is tailored to them, which may include medication, therapy, or both.