CONTINUOUS CARE IN MENTAL HEALTH: CHALLENGES OF INTEGRATION BETWEEN PRIMARY CARE AND PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE CENTERS IN JUAZEIRO-BA

Abstract

This article continues the study “Between Walls and Bridges: Transformations and Contradictions of Mental Health in Contemporary Brazil,” deepening the analysis of the integration of mental health into Primary Health Care (PHC) in the city of Juazeiro, Bahia, with a focus on the Edésio Oliveira do Nascimento Primary Health Unit, located in the Tabuleiro neighborhood. The main objective was to understand the role of PHC as the main entry point for comprehensive mental health care, identifying the most prevalent mental disorders and prescribed psychotropic drugs, as well as the weaknesses in clinical documentation and the challenges in coordination with the Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS). The study adopted a descriptive and qualitative approach, based on the analysis of clinical data from the e-SUS AB system and physical medical records from the unit. The results revealed a predominance of depressive, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, with frequent use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics. Weaknesses were identified in care continuity, counter-referral processes, and the lack of continuing education in mental health for the health team. It is concluded that PHC plays a fundamental role in welcoming and following up users with psychological distress, and that strengthening matrix support and ongoing professional education is essential to ensure comprehensive and integrated mental health care.