TITLE:
Pharmacist-Led Care: Improving Treatment Outcomes in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
AUTHORS:
Diane Lee, Liriam Campos Hevia, Haroon Mesdaq, Nadia Gharibyar
KEYWORDS:
Pharmacist Intervention, Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Medication Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
31,
2024
ABSTRACT: The role of pharmacists in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders is an evolving area within healthcare, driven by the need for effective treatment options for mental illnesses affecting over 50 million Americans. This review examines the critical interventions provided by pharmacists to optimize treatment in neuropsychiatric disorders, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of their contributions within healthcare teams. Pharmacists’ interventions include medication management, adherence, patient counseling, and other methods that support the prevention of adverse events, and they are key players in enhancing mental health care through collaborative practice models. Objectives: The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led interventions on patient outcomes in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders, exploring their roles in various settings and collaborative environments. Background: Neuropsychiatric disorders, which span both psychiatric and neurologic conditions, require comprehensive and integrated care approaches. Pharmacists are increasingly involved in medication management, patient education, and adherence strategies essential for managing these disorders effectively. Methods: A literature review was conducted to analyze studies examining pharmacist-led interventions in neuropsychiatric care, including adherence programs, medication reconciliation, adverse event monitoring, and pharmacogenomic applications. Articles were selected based on their focus on pharmacist interventions in community, hospital, and interdisciplinary settings. Results: Evidence suggests that pharmacist-led interventions improve adherence, optimize medication management, and contribute to reducing readmissions in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Key findings highlight the success of interventions such as patient counseling, pharmacogenomic-guided therapy, and collaborative care models, demonstrating improved outcomes across various settings. Conclusions: Pharmacists play a critical role in managing neuropsychiatric disorders through comprehensive medication management, patient education, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. Their involvement is essential for safe, effective, and personalized mental health care, underscoring the need to further integrate pharmacists in mental health services.