The aim of this ethnographic study was to analyze the meaning of the search for treatment among women with depression attended at a psychosocial care center in the municipality of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. The route to treatment of depression (from referral to attendance), the notions of the illness held by the women and their drug consumption were identified within this context. The trivialization of depression, importance of the psychiatrist and use of antidepressants and anxiolytics in the treatment were evident. The women's patterns of drug consumption suggested that addiction to medications was occurring. In addition to pharmacological action, use of medicines had symbolic action, towards comfort and care. Our study indicates that there is a need to connect the meanings of the women's experiences with the therapeutic approaches towards depression in constructing public mental healthcare policies.
Depression; Women; Ethnography; Drugs