More and more French people are using self-medication to treat minor health problems (coughs, headaches, etc.). It has become common practice, but has aroused controversy among healthcare professionals, some of whom are concerned about the misuse of medication.

Sylvie Fainzang, an anthropologist, Inserm Research Director and member of Cermes 3 (Centre for Research,  Medicine, Science, Health and Society), carried out a qualitative study of self-medication and published L’automédication ou les mirages de l’autonomie (Self-medication or self delusion?), in which she proposes a new approach to this practice.

©L’automédication ou les mirages de l’autonomie de Sylvie Fainzang -Juin 2012, PUF, Hors collection