The Use of Benzodiazepines Among Brazilian Women: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

The prolonged use of benzodiazepines among women has been a recurring issue in health services. Hence, this study aimed to conduct an integrative literature review to identify the profile of Brazilian women regularly using benzodiazepines. The SciELO, PePSIC, and BVS-LILACS databases were searched, and 86 articles were identified by combining the keywords “mulher(es) AND benzodiazepínico(s)”, but only 11 papers met the inclusion criteria. Data revealed a higher concentration of women aged between 40 and 60 years old who used benzodiazepines for between one month and 37 years to treat insomnia, anxiety, headaches, and sadness. Benzodiazepines appear as a resource to escape problems and are usually prescribed by general practitioners without taking into account these women’s social issues that involve role overload, among other factors.