The critically important yet often misunderstood field of behavioral health was the focus of a recent webinar in the CarelonRx Connects series. This article includes excerpted information from the presentation by Dr. Ami Bhatt, Staff VP Pharmacy Clinical Quality at CarelonRx, and Dr. Simreet Khaira, Manager Medical Director at Carelon Behavioral Health.
Understanding mental health challenges
It’s important to shed light on needs and challenges surrounding mental illness and behavioral health disorders, not only due to their prevalence in the U.S., but also the potential impacts on the workforce.
A range of mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, are marked by changes in behavior, feelings, or thoughts. These conditions often have a negative impact an individual’s functioning to the degree that they are not able to maintain their work, social, and personal lives at previously attained levels.
Mental health needs by the numbers
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
- 68% of adults with mental illness also have a medical condition.
- $1 trillion is how much depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy in lost productivity each year.
Addressing challenges and considerations
To effectively manage the impacts of behavioral health disorders, higher-level health care considerations need to be addressed. At the same time, direct connections between mental health and workplace well-being are apparent. When the ability to focus, make decisions, or work with a team is compromised, productivity and retention issues can result. With mental health care, challenges remain, including:
Diagnostic clarity
There are no lab tests that provide conclusive diagnostic clarity. Conditions are diagnosed with thorough evaluations including ruling out other medical conditions and understanding an individual’s biological, psychological, medical, pharmacological, and social histories.
Early interventions and evidence-based treatment
Widespread prevalence underscores a need for awareness and connected whole health approaches. Early interventions using evidence-based treatment approaches, including therapeutic medications, pave the way for better health outcomes.
Access to care
Many individuals face hurdles in accessing proper care due to factors such as stigma or shame associated with mental health, the shortage of mental health professionals, and insurance coverage gaps.
Affordability
High costs can create barriers to obtaining necessary therapy or medication, particularly for underresourced or uninsured individuals. This issue is further compounded in the realm of specialty medications prescribed for certain serious mental illnesses.
Medication adherence
Ensuring patients follow their medication regimen as prescribed is a critical component of treatment success. Barriers to adherence can include side effects, insufficient understanding of treatment benefits, or lack of noticeable improvement. Personalized consults, advocacy, and education can make the difference.
Access to behavioral health services and connected, member-focused pharmacy care can help employers build a work environment that prioritizes whole health and supports employees who want to perform at their best.
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