List of essential medicines for French psychiatry

In the context of medication shortages, the creation of a list of essential medications (EML) is becoming necessary in France, as it is in other industrialized countries newly affected by this issue. This approach differs from the World Health Organization's EML and is thought of as an extension of the definition of medications (and therapeutic classes) of major therapeutic importance as outlined in the public health code. The principle behind this list is to maintain a high standard of care. The first EML for French psychiatry was formalized by the French Association of Biological Psychiatry and Neuropsychopharmacology (AFPBN) in June 2023. It was initially compiled by a steering committee of five mental health practioners and proposed to a panel of 31 experts who were asked to rate their degree of approval for each medication (Delphi method) along with the level of criticality in the event of a shortage. Based on 163 medications, the AFPBN selected 98, after validation by its expert group. (June 2023). The Directorate General of Health later removed 18 medications from this list, including molecules with no medical benefit, mainly substances under compassionate use authorization, or those with an insufficient, low, or moderate medical benefit. This first EML for French psychiatry can obviously be improved but is proposed as a working basis for future modifications.