The Pharmacist's Role in Educating Patients About Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental-health disorders in the United States and globally. Patients often remain untreated, for reasons including lack of or reduced access to mental-health care and concerns about the stigma surrounding depression. Pharmacists' accessibility enables them to recognize patients at risk for-or exhibiting signs of-depression, and they can encourage patients to talk to their primary healthcare provider. Pharmacists can also educate patients about depression, pharmcologic treatment options (including proper use and potential adverse effects), and nonpharmacologic measures such as psychotherapy and patient-support groups. Providing patients with pertinent information about depression may aid in overcoming worries about stigma and enable them to seek medical evaluation, obtain appropriate therapy, and possibly enhance overall clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life.