The community pharmacist in mental health

The World Health Organization considers mental health in Europe as a key work priority for the coming years. In Spain, the Ministry of Health has developed the Mental Health Strategy of the National Health System for the period 2022-2026 with the aim of improving the population mental health and promoting early detection of mental health diseases. The community pharmacist can make great contributions as the main expert on medication and as an advisor for patients undergoing pharmacological treatment, as the pharmacist's support is essential to maintain long-term adherence and achieve therapeutic success. In addition, patients with mental disorders access the health system through primary care and the availability of the community pharmacy can help in the early detection of mental diseases. A shared care between the primary care physician and the community pharmacist will be a key tool to support differential diagnosis, access to treatment and to maintain close long-term follow-up of complex patients and their families, as it guarantees continuity of care. SEFAC also wants to promote this line of work through the creation of the Mental Health Approach and Treatment Group.