Print Page   |   Report Abuse   |   Sign In   |   Join UPhA
News & Press: Other News

APhA Coronavirus Watch: Pharmacists’ Role in Mental Health Expands During COVID-19 

Friday, July 10, 2020   (0 Comments)

The fragility of our mental health has never been more exposed than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crisis hotlines have seen enormous spikes in call volumes. According to an analysis by Express Scripts, prescriptions jumped 34.1% for antianxiety medications and 18.6% for antidepressants between February 16 and March 15.   

For pharmacists, the toll on patients’ mental health has been a shapeshifting experience.   

Deemed essential businesses, patients have been coming into pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic. A May survey from Alliance of Community Health Plan found that 49% of respondents said they felt “very comfortable” picking up prescriptions at their pharmacy and speaking with a pharmacist. A lack of access to physicians during this time has also led patients to rely more on their pharmacist.

“People are calling and wanting information,” said Clark Bishop, PharmD, a partner and pharmacist manager at Hutton Pharmacy in Blackwell, OK.   

Clark has noticed elevated levels of anxiety in patients. He said one of the best things they’ve been able to do is manage patients’ fear by providing accurate information and being an honest, reliable voice of reason.   

Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP, professor of clinical sciences at Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, CA, said she tells pharmacists and student pharmacists that worry and anxiety are typical reactions to these circumstances. The key is understanding when a patient’s anxiety is normal and when it requires a referral. If anxiety is preventing a patient from doing essential duties, such as taking care of loved ones or oneself, a referral is likely necessary, Puzantian said.   

Puzantian has been training pharmacists all over the country in Mental Health First Aid. She said this training technique raises awareness, reduces stigma, and gives pharmacists the vocabulary and confidence to help.   

READ MORE

« Back to Index
Community Search
Sign In
Login with LinkedIn
OR


more
Latest News

4/5/2023Pandemic Saw Rise in Opioid Prescriptions Given After Childbirth

10/6/2025USP 800: What Community Pharmacies Need to Know

10/6/2025Illegible Signature? Auditors Are Taking Note!

10/6/2025CDC Immunization Schedule Adopts Individual-Based Decision-Making for Vaccines

10/2/2025Pfizer-Trump Deal Blindsides Other Drug Companies
more
Calendar

11/8/2025
UPhA 2025 Mid-Year Meeting
Online Surveys
» 

2023 UPhA Awards Nomination Form