PS08 Pharmacists’ perceptions of the use of antipsychotics in psychodermatology

Abstract The growing use of antipsychotics in psychodermatology underlines the importance of understanding pharmacists’ knowledge, perceptions and experiences in patient care. Existing evidence demonstrates that pharmacist involvement improves outcomes for individuals with severe mental illness, suggesting comparable benefits in psychodermatology (Howe J, Lindsey L. The role of pharmacists in supporting service users to optimise antipsychotic medication. Int J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 45: 1293–8). This survey-based project therefore aims to evaluate pharmacists’ insights into the utilization of antipsychotics. A 14-question survey was distributed to pharmacists working in a tertiary centre that provided a psychodermatology clinic. The survey assessed their knowledge, experiences and attitudes regarding the use of antipsychotics in managing psychodermatological conditions. Fifteen responses were obtained from secondary care pharmacists. Of these, 55% reported unfamiliarity with using antipsychotics for dermatological indications, 80% were unsure about antipsychotic efficacy in psychodermatological conditions, and 60% were not at all comfortable advising on their use for dermatology. Risperidone was identified as the antipsychotic with which respondents were most familiar. A prominent challenge, cited by 46%, was the lack of clear guidelines or protocols for screening and prescribing antipsychotics in psychodermatology. Notably, 93% of respondents felt that pharmacists should play a more active role in managing patients prescribed antipsychotics in psychodermatology clinics. Antipsychotics can be effective in helping patients manage skin conditions but require consistent monitoring, comprehensive patient counselling and follow-up to ensure optimal care – areas in which pharmacists are uniquely positioned to contribute. However, the findings indicate that most secondary care pharmacists are largely unaware of psychodermatology needs and the interplay between skin and mental health. Published evidence from the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry underscores that educating patients on potential antipsychotic or antidepressant side-effects (e.g. extrapyramidal symptoms, metabolic changes, tardive dyskinesia) improves treatment adherence (Tomas-Aragones L, Consoli SM, Consoli SG et al. Self-inflicted lesions in dermatology: a management and therapeutic approach – a position paper from the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry. Acta Derm Venereol 2017; 97: 159–72). Consequently, pharmacists can fill a critical gap by providing counselling when dispensing antipsychotics for dermatological indications. Identifying this knowledge gap and potential areas for improvement fosters stronger interdisciplinary collaboration and optimizes care for patients with psychodermatological conditions.