Quieting the Minds: Self-Medication with Anxiety Drugs in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Objectives: Background: Self-medication with psychotropic drugs, particularly anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), presents a growing public health concern in countries with limited pharmaceutical regulation. In Saudi Arabia, the accessibility of prescription medications without adequate clinical supervision has raised critical questions about misuse and its associated risks, including dependency and adverse health outcomes. Despite increasing use, limited empirical research has addressed the prevalence and underlying factors driving this behavior in the Saudi context. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to self-medication with anxiety drugs among the Saudi population and to examine sociodemographic variables associated with these practices. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured electronic questionnaire targeting adults across Saudi Arabia. The instrument collected data on demographics, awareness of anxiety disorders and medication side effects, attitudes toward self-medication and self-reported behaviors. Chi-square tests were used to identify significant associations between variables. Results: Of the 807 participants, 24.6% reported using anti-anxiety medication without a prescription. While 84.1% had heard of anxiety disorders, only 16.1% identified addiction as a potential side effect. Stress, particularly related to academic or occupational demands, was the most commonly cited motivation. Higher education levels were significantly associated with greater awareness (p = 0.001), whereas no significant associations were found with gender. Conclusion: The findings indicate a pressing need for targeted health education, improved mental health services and stricter regulatory enforcement. Enhancing public knowledge and ensuring responsible access to psychotropic medications are essential steps toward advancing mental health priorities within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 healthcare reforms.