Medicalização, biopolítica e subjetivação: interseções entre os princípios da Gestão Autônoma da Medicação e a pandemia de Covid 19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for the intensification of the medicalization process, expanding the role of medical institutions in regulating the mental health of the population. In the field of health, there is an incessant production of rationalities that involves not only the management of life at the population level but also the management of individualized and qualified life. This study aimed to problematize the biopolitics of medicalization in the subjectivation processes of people who experienced the Autonomous Medication Management (GAM). It is a qualitative research conducted through discursive interviews and documentary analysis. Eight interviews were conducted with individuals (current and former users of mental health services) who were familiar with GAM, as well as the analysis of GAM guides from five of these participants. Data collection took place between December 2022 and November 2023. The interviews were recorded and stored digitally, manually transcribed, and totaled 70 pages of content. Questioning the use of medication opens space for de-medicalization, transforming support groups into places of welcome, collective strengthening, and recognition of subjects and their rights. This represents a step towards democratization through the production of life. The intersection between Autonomous Medication Management and the COVID-19 pandemic provides a rich context for reflecting on the phenomena of medicalization, biopolitics, and subjectivation. By proposing a collaborative and empowering approach to managing psychiatric medications, it challenges traditional paradigms of medicalization, emphasizing the autonomy and participation of individuals in their treatment. It is essential to reflect that the pandemic highlighted urgent issues regarding mental health, revealing complex dynamics of power and control over bodies and populations.