Is work a risk factor in the prescribed psychotropic drug consumption of female white-collar workers and professionals?

This article provides information on the prevalence and the characteristics of consumption of prescribed psychotropic drugs among unionized female white-collar workers and professionals in Montreal Canada. The objective of this paper is also to raise hypotheses on the contribution of certain professional factors to women's long-term use of psychotropic prescribed drugs. Data were collected through a questionnaire mailed to participants' homes. Results showed that prescribed psychotropic drugs are being used in the context of work. About 15% of the working women did use prescribed psychotropic drugs during the twelve months preceding the survey, and 5% of respondents reported a high level of consumption. Working women had a tendency to maintain consumption practices in line with their doctor prescription. Results also suggest that the work environment influenced prescribed drug consumption.