MENTAL HEALTH IN PRIMARY CARE: A SOCIAL APPROACH

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of well-being that integrates psychological, physical, and social aspects, allowing individuals to develop skills and face challenges. In Brazil, Primary Health Care (PHC) and the National Mental Health Policy (PNSM) play fundamental roles in expanded care, in which it recognizes that the well-being of the individual also includes emotional and social support. Objective: That said, this study aims to discuss, through an Integrative Literature Review (RIL), the approach to mental health in the context of PHC, with emphasis on the consideration of the social aspects that influence the lives of users. Methodology: This is a RIL, with a descriptive and qualitative character, in which the theoretical framework was given through the selection of studies in the scientific literature, through databases such as the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS).  via Virtual Health Library (VHL). The search used specific descriptors and considered free original articles, in Portuguese or English, published between 2018 and 2023, including up to June 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, disregarding theses and experience reports, and duplicate articles were counted only once. The collected data were analyzed descriptively, and the process was detailed in a PRISMA flowchart.  Results and Discussion: About 324 articles were found, and of these, 33 were used. These selected students highlight the importance of mental health in PHC, which acts as a gateway to care, promoting well-being and referring complex cases to specialized services, such as Early Intervention in Psychosis (IPE). Therefore, collaboration between PHC and specialized care is essential, although there are challenges, such as the training of professionals and the need to strengthen communication. In child care, the articulation between PHC and CAPSi is fundamental for preventive interventions, also involving family members and institutions. In addition, mental health care in Primary Care (PHC), when welcoming and empathetic, reduces psychiatric hospitalizations and helps prevent severe cases, such as suicide, influenced by socioeconomic factors. Other studies have shown that strategies such as Integrative Community Therapy (ICT), the Singular Therapeutic Project (PTS) and matrix support strengthen bonds, promote multiprofessional work and expand comprehensive care, and the territorial proximity of the Health Units facilitates the creation of bonds and welcoming, essential for personalized care. Final considerations: In this sense, it was noted that mental health in PHC requires reinforcement in its approach, considering the social aspects that influence the lives of users and their particularities. Therefore, it is essential to create a reliable bond between professionals and patients, making the environment welcoming. In addition, it is crucial to integrate the patient's external demands into care, promoting a holistic view of the patient, since discussing mental health in PHC strengthens integral well-being and social inclusion in care.