Psychiatric Pharmacy: New Role of Pharmacists in Mental Health

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders are one of the major causes of global burden of diseases. Stigma remains a major impediment in the delivery of mental healthcare. It has been found across various studies that attitudes of doctors of other specialties and other healthcare professionals also contribute to stigma due to their lack of knowledge and awareness about psychiatry and mental health problems. The number of mental health professionals remains abysmally low. Community pharmacists are accessible, knowledgeable, and capable of providing mental health promotion and care in communities. This may not be a role that is recognized by the public, and men in particular. However, psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery. Examples include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, etc. Pharmacists can play a key role by providing mental health medication management support to improve access and address patients' mental health needs.

The Role of the Pharmacist in Patient Care (Book Review)

“…Clinical pharmacists can help patients manage their medicines and reduce their anxiety about taking multiple medicines [7]. Pharmacists also get benefit because there is an increased recognition and respect for the value of the advice and service that they provide [8]. There is a need to increase access to primary care services, control costs, and improve outcomes in health care for patients especially in the management of chronic conditions which puts a strain on health care systems worldwide [9].…”

Clinical Pharmacists in Chronic Care [Part 2]

“…For over 40 years, clinical pharmacists have handout to these care models in capacities ranging from educator to consultant to provider. Medicines are a major treatment modality of management for many mental illnesses and pharmacists are therefore well positioned to reinforce MH services with the potential to reduce the associated burden of mental disorders [219] (Figure 9). Antidepressant drug treatment (ADT), alone or in association with psychotherapy, is endorsed by the CANMAT for a minimum duration of 8 months.…”

Clinical Pharmacists in Chronic Care

“…For over 40 years, clinical pharmacists have handoutto these care models in capacities ranging from educator to consultant to provider. Medicines are a major treatment modality of management for many mental illnesses and pharmacists are therefore well positioned to reinforce MH services with the potential to reduce the associated burden of mental disorders [219].…”