Self-medication

Self-medication is a human behavior in which an individual uses a substance or any form of drug to self-administer treatment for physical or psychological ailments. The most widely self-medicated substances are over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, which are used to treat common health issues at home. In more severe cases, this can be a symptom of a mental health disorder, such as borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder.

Overview

Self-medication is often seen as gaining personal independence from established medicine, and it can be seen as a human right, being an expression of the right to self-determination. However, health professionals and medical doctors are often critical of self-medication, particularly when it involves prescription drugs and potentially harmful substances. The World Health Organization (WHO) agrees that self-medication is a global issue and has issued guidelines for the safe and effective use of non-prescription medicines.

Risks

There are risks to self-medication, particularly when not done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. These risks include incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, infrequent but severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease, and risk of dependence and abuse.

See also

• Over-the-counter drug
• Prescription drug
• World Health Organization
• Mental health
• Substance abuse