The rate of suicide due to intentional self-poisoning by medicines in Brazil has seen a worrying rise between 2003 and 2022, according to a new study. The research draws a clear connection between this increase and periods of significant regional and global crises, such as Brazil’s economic downturn and political instability. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to address this growing issue, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Over the 19-year period, the study recorded 9,123 deaths resulting from intentional self-poisoning by medicines, with a marked increase in mortality rates from 2016 onwards. The increase coincided with Brazil’s economic and political crisis, which began in 2015 and continued to escalate in subsequent years. Researchers noted that this time period was characterized by a severe economic recession, a decline in average income, and skyrocketing unemployment rates. The political upheaval, including the impeachment of the president in 2016, also contributed to the heightened levels of stress and uncertainty among the population.
The study reveals a complex sociodemographic profile of the individuals who succumbed to this form of suicide. Women accounted for the majority of these deaths, with a significant proportion of victims being aged between 30 and 49 years. White individuals were also disproportionately affected, with over half of the recorded cases occurring in this demographic group. The southern region of Brazil, known for its higher rates of suicide by all methods, had the highest concentration of medicine-induced suicides, followed closely by the southeast.
The research highlights the correlation between increased access to medicines and the rise in suicide rates. During the period studied, Brazil saw a significant expansion of the pharmaceutical sector, with a notable increase in the availability of medicines, even during economic hardships. The proliferation of pharmacies and the aggressive marketing of medications, including antidepressants, played a role in the accessibility of potentially lethal drugs. Paracetamol, a commonly used over-the-counter medication with high toxicity at elevated doses, was identified as one of the substances frequently involved in these cases.
The rise in mortality due to intentional self-poisoning by medicines also reflects broader global trends. The study’s authors point out that pharmaceuticalisation – the widespread use of medications to manage health and well-being – has become increasingly prevalent, not just in Brazil but across the world. This trend has led to a paradox where the availability of life-saving drugs has inadvertently facilitated their use in suicide attempts.
One of the study’s key findings is the significant increase in suicide rates from 2016 onwards. While the overall suicide rate in Brazil has seen a steady rise, the spike in medicine-induced suicides suggests that specific factors related to the country’s economic and political crises played a crucial role. The researchers argue that the austerity measures implemented during this period, along with cuts to public health spending, may have exacerbated mental health issues, leading to a higher incidence of suicide.
The Covid pandemic also contributed to the increase in suicide rates, particularly in 2021 and 2022. The pandemic, which hit Brazil hard, resulted in widespread social isolation, increased self-medication, and reduced access to mental health services. These factors, combined with the pre-existing economic and political challenges, created a perfect storm for a surge in suicide rates during this period.
The researchers call for immediate action to address this public health crisis. They recommend the implementation of stricter regulations on the sale of over-the-counter medicines, particularly those with high toxicity. Additionally, there is a need for improved mental health services, especially in regions with higher suicide rates. The authors also stress the importance of addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to the mental health crisis in Brazil, including poverty, unemployment, and political instability.
