Hi. Many have probably read some posts by me. I am a community pharmacist who has worked closely (as a pharmacy consultant) with a mental health clinic in a moderately large city in Canada. My specialties are the proposed mechanisms of the medications, as well as the proposed mechanisms of symptomatology and etiology of depression (and schizophrenia). I also specialize in compliance control (I prefer the term concordance) and am an outspoken critic of the stigma of mental illness.

I volunteer my time to teach third year pharmacy students "The Community Pharmacist's Role in Mental Health" section of their Professional Practice course (Pharm 403). I also give presentations to various community groups, consumer groups, and families of consumers on new medications, or general interests relating to pharmacy (herbal medication's place in mental health has been a big draw over the last few years). I believe that those who have a medical disorder should be educated in that disorder, so that they are empowered to become involved in and responsible for their own treatment. I believe that a doctor-patient relationship is a two-way street, and treatment should be arrived at through consensus, with input from all parts of the treatment team (incl. the patient's pharmacist, therapist, social worker, nutritionist, family, and anyone else deemed applicable by the patient.

I also accompany the head psychiatrist for the northern part of my province twice a year to update general practioners, pharmacists, and mental health specialists on the latest medications, and to address any pharmacy concerns that they may have.

I would also like to offer to try to answer any pharmacy-related questions that anyone who reads and/or posts on this, Dr.Grohol's website, if anyone so wishes.

CAVEATS

1) I will only answer questions about medications and pharmacy situations. I cannot prescribe or suggest medications, as I am not licenced to do so. I may give a list of options to take back to your doctor. I need to stay within the boundaries of my knowledge base.

2) My word is not gospel. It is based on my knowledge of the material, which is updated frequently, through the following of several psychiatry, pharmacology, and pharmacy journals. As science advances, my answers may change.

3) Always get a second opinion on anything that I say; preferably from your doctor. He/She will have a much better understanding of you than I could ever hope to.

4) If anyone notices any mistake that I may make, please bring it to my attention. I am capable of screwing up, just like the next guy.

5) I also suffer occasionally from a relapse of my chronic depression; so there may be times that I will take a day or two to fully answer your questions. This does not happen very often, though.

6) This service is free. I do it to help others learn about their disorder and it's treatment. I too learn something new every time I answer a question. This makes me better at my job (no, I won't pay you for my learning, either ;^)

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to answering any question that you may have.

Sincerely - Cam