Ruh Sağlığı Hastalıklarının Tedavisinde Toplum Eczacılarının Rolü

Chronic and enduring

psychiatric disorders including psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder,

schizophrenia, and major depression; any mental illness that adversely affects

an individual's social connections, academic accomplishments, and work

performance (1). Individuals living with

these conditions have a life expectancy that is up to 25 years shorter than

that of the general population. This primarily stems from modifiable lifestyle

elements like tobacco use, absence of physical activity, poor eating habits,

antipsychotic medication's adverse reactions, and the stress of living with a

mental illness (2). In 2003, over 450

million individuals worldwide were reported to grapple with mental disorders;

this number is much higher today, and it is emphasized that mental health

medicines account for a significant proportion of the medicines prescribed by

physicians (3). This group exhibits a

notably elevated prevalence of coexisting avoidable chronic ailments, such as

type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular, and respiratory conditions. For this

reason, they have been identified as a major burden on the US economy (2). <o:p></o:p>

Considering the

individual, societal, and financial consequences of people with untreated

psychotic disorders, the involvement of primary healthcare professionals is

essential to guarantee sufficient assistance for this demographic. Healthcare

experts have recognized that people affected by mental health conditions as

individuals presenting some of the most challenging cases for management (4). Moreover, these patients are 1.5 to 10

times more inclined to visit their pharmacist than their primary care physician

(5). The treatment of more serious mental

illnesses, such as schizophrenia, has leaned heavily on pharmacological

methods. (6). However, recent research

has demonstrated the demand for regular management and monitoring by healthcare

professionals is essential. (7).

Psychotropic medication is one treatment for many mental health conditions. The

provision of medication advice and monitoring by pharmacists has been

demonstrated to enhance adherence to psychotropic medication and reduce

problems of medication misuse (8-11).

Professionals in the mental health field, including doctors and nurses, hold

positive expectations regarding pharmacists' role in managing medication side

effects and enhancing the quality of care. (12).

The International Pharmaceutical Federation published an extensive global

assessment of mental health-oriented programs and services offered by community

pharmacists in 2015. The report identified various responsibilities for

pharmacists within their professional domain: health promotion, prioritization,

and early diagnosis, identifying and managing medication requirements and

issues, optimizing treatment outcomes related to medications through follow-up

assessments of effectiveness, safety, and support for adherence, providing

health and medication education, participating in collaborative patient health

care, contributing to policy development, and conducting research (13). In addition, the World Health

Organization acknowledges the engagement of pharmacists as engaged participants

in the healthcare team as a strategy for enhancing the utilization of

psychotropic medications (14).<o:p></o:p>