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Physical health and schizophrenia
Alex J Mitchell1, Darren Malone
1Department of Liason Psychiatry, Brandon Unit, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK. Alex.mitchell@leicspart.nhs.uk
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|May 25, 2006
Summary
Patients with schizophrenia experience higher morbidity and mortality, often due to comorbid medical conditions. Addressing vascular risk factors and medication side effects is crucial for improving their physical health.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Internal Medicine
- Schizophrenia Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with significantly elevated rates of morbidity and mortality.
- The reasons for this disparity are debated, including shared risk factors, antipsychotic treatments, and inherent disease processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between schizophrenia and physical health issues.
- To highlight recent advances in understanding and managing these comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on schizophrenia, physical health, and treatment outcomes.
- Analysis of current evidence on risk factors and interventions.
Main Results:
- Most schizophrenia patients have at least one chronic medical condition, often undiagnosed.
- Multifactorial causes include shared vulnerabilities, genetics, vascular risk factors, and adverse drug effects.
- Atypical antipsychotics, while offering benefits, are linked to weight gain, diabetes, lipid issues, and metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions:
- The physical health of individuals with schizophrenia remains a critical concern.
- Care for comorbid physical and mental health disorders is frequently inadequate.
- Routine assessment and monitoring of physical health in serious mental illness patients are recommended.