The Case for Severe Mental Illness as a Disparities Category

Extensive evidence documents that people with severe mental illness have higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared with the general population and receive lower-quality and higher-cost health care. These trends, at least in part, stem from discrimination, exclusion, widespread stigma, and criminalization of individuals with mental illness. As such, severe mental illness should receive formal, national recognition as a disparities category. Such a designation would have multiple important implications in health policy, services and quality research, and advocacy.