Self-prescription with psychotropic medications by healthcare professionals working at mental health institutions in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare professionals who work in mental health institutions are more exposed to psychotropic medications than those in other healthcare institutions and are, therefore, more likely to self-prescribe. Self-prescription is a concerning phenomenon because of the potential for medication misuse, drug interaction, addiction, and other social, physical, and psychological consequences. This study investigated the prevalence of self-prescription of psychotropic medications and the most common self-prescribed psychotropic medications by healthcare professionals in mental health institutions in Saudi Arabia. It also aimed to determine the possible side effects and factors associated with self-prescription of psychotropic medications.