Care practices for anxiety in a psychosocial care center and basic health units

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the care practices offered to people with anxiety by professionals in Primary Health Care and Psychosocial Care settings. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study. Participants included professionals from a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) team—acting as reference professionals for service users—and nurses from Basic Health Units (UBS/Primary Health Care). In-depth interviews and field notes were conducted, followed by thematic analysis based on Minayo’s framework. Results: Five themes were identified: Welcoming and active listening at UBSs for the care of users with anxiety; Referrals from UBSs for the care of users with anxiety; Physical activity, meditation, breathing techniques, yoga, and Reiki for anxiety care at UBSs; Physical activity (dance), meditation, breathing techniques, music therapy, and outings for the care of users with anxiety at the CAPS; Welcoming, listening, workshops, and therapeutic groups at the CAPS. Conclusion: Various mental health practices for anxiety care were identified at a CAPS and at corresponding Primary Health Care units. Integrative and complementary practices, as a strategy for anxiety management, contribute to symptom reduction while providing individualized care and a more humanized approach.