Breaking News: Experts Team Up to Enhance Mental Health Care and Psychotropic Drug Management in Spain
In a groundbreaking initiative, prestigious experts from various medical fields and patient associations have joined forces to produce a comprehensive report aimed at improving the management of mental disorders and the proper use of psychotropic drugs in Spain. The report, scheduled for release in July, is set to provide crucial recommendations backed by scientific evidence.
Addressing the Rising Concern for Mental Health
The initiative comes at a critical time, as mental health concerns have surged in Spain, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the latest health barometer from the CIS, one in five Spaniards has consulted a mental health professional in the past year. Data from the OECD and the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) also indicate an increase in the consumption of psychopharmaceuticals.
The scientific community acknowledges the importance of these medications in managing mental illnesses but recognizes the challenges in their effective use. To tackle these issues, Farmaindustria has launched a project focused on enhancing mental health care and promoting the responsible use of psychotropic drugs.
Expert Committee for Mental Health
A multidisciplinary committee of experts has been formed, comprising professionals from primary care, psychiatry, geriatrics, clinical pharmacology, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, and patient associations. The committee aims to become a pivotal resource for a holistic approach to mental disorders, ensuring proper management of psychotropic drug prescriptions and usage.
Collaborative Efforts with Social Agents
The committee has engaged in several sessions to exchange knowledge and establish criteria for effective psychotropic drug management. Recognizing the role of social agents in mental health care, the committee has also fostered dialogue with organized civil society to incorporate diverse perspectives into their analysis.
Upcoming Report and Recommendations
The culmination of these efforts will be a report set for release in July, containing final recommendations based on scientific evidence. These recommendations are designed to improve mental health care and the management of psychopharmaceuticals, benefiting both patients and the national health system.
Key Members of the Mental Health Expert Committee
- Celso Arango: Psychiatrist, Director of the Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, and Head of the Psychiatry Service for Children and Adolescents at Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid.
- Paula Armero: Pediatrician, Coordinator of the Mental Health Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics.
- Fernando Chacón: Psychologist, Professor of Social Psychology, and Vocal of the General Council of Psychology of Spain.
- Marina Díaz: Psychiatrist, Head of the TCA unit at San Carlos Clinical Hospital, and President of the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health.
- Carina Escobar: President of the Patient Organizations Platform.
- Tamara Peiró: Pharmacist, Responsible for the Welfare Area of the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges.
- Caridad Pontes: Specialist in Clinical Pharmacy, Hospital of the Holy Cross and St. Paul, Autonomous University of Barcelona.
- Beatriz Salazar: Pharmacist, Specialist in Hospital Pharmacy at the Ferrol University Hospital Complex, and Coordinator of the Neuropsychiatric Pharmacy Working Group of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy.
- Manuel Sánchez: Psychiatrist, Specialized in the Mental Health of the Elderly and Psychogeriatrics, and President of the Spanish Society of Psychogeriatrics.
- Beatriz Vielba: Family Doctor at Valladolid La Victoria Health, Coordinator of the Mental Health Working Group of the Spanish Society of General Family Physicians.
- Eduard Vieta: Psychiatrist, Head of the Psychiatry and Psychology Service at the Clinic Hospital in Barcelona.
- Paula Zurrón: Nurse, Mental Health Specialist at the Center for Mental Health La Corredoria de Oviedo, and Researcher in the Psychiatry Research Group of the Sanitary Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA).
The report’s recommendations are poised to make a significant impact on mental health care in Spain, addressing the growing need for effective and responsible management of psychotropic drugs. Stay tuned for the report’s release in July and follow archyde.com for the latest updates on this groundbreaking initiative.
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