S2, Ep 7- “It’s Criminal”- Non-Medical Switching and Mental Health

Getting diagnosed and properly treated for a mental health condition is grueling enough without having to deal with non-medical switching, or having to change your medication for no other reason than money, says Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at the Global Healthy Living Foundation. In the second of two episodes on this topic, we examine what can be done to change this practice of non-medical switching.  "Diagnosis of mental health takes a while. It's a trial-and-error period…to find the best therapies. And simply, to change a formulary and substitute patients off a drug that has worked for them and force them to take something different — for the sole purposes of fattening the bottom line — is criminal,” says Robert. Among the highlights in this episode: 1:42: Listener review 2:12: How non-medical switching impacts patients with mental health conditions 2:36: A reminder of the definition of non-medical switching 3:14: How is this a growing problem for patients who suffer from mental health conditions? 4:16: "We are embarking in an era where we are going to see a lot of mental health issues — especially with regard to depression and anxiety," says Robert 4:33: Conner gives an example of a patient who lives with a mental health condition, and how non-medical switching has impacted her 5:28: Robert explains who benefits from non-medical switching among mental health patients  6:32: What can be done for mental health patients when it comes to non-medical switching issues? 7:44: What kind of legislation is being considered? 9:43: Robert shares his final thoughts Contact our hosts: Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [email protected] Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF: [email protected] We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]. Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.