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Increasing Psychiatrists' Role in Addressing the Cardiovascular Health of Patients With Severe Mental Illness

Martha Ward1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta.

Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)
|September 6, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) face higher mortality rates, primarily due to cardiovascular disease. Psychiatrists play a crucial role in addressing cardiovascular health to reduce this gap.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Serious mental illness (SMI) is linked to significantly higher mortality rates compared to the general population.
  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among individuals with SMI.
  • Poor continuity of medical care is a significant barrier for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical need for psychiatrists to address cardiovascular health in patients with SMI.
  • To present a framework for psychiatrists to intervene in managing cardiovascular risk factors.
  • To reduce the mortality gap in individuals with SMI.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on mortality and morbidity in SMI.
  • Analysis of the role of psychiatrists in patient healthcare.
  • Development of an intervention framework for cardiovascular health management.

Main Results:

  • Cardiovascular disease is the primary driver of premature mortality in individuals with SMI.
  • Psychiatrists are often the sole consistent healthcare providers for these patients.
  • An intervention framework can empower psychiatrists to manage cardiovascular risks.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing cardiovascular health is essential to close the mortality gap for individuals with SMI.
  • Psychiatrists are uniquely positioned to impact cardiovascular outcomes in this population.
  • Implementing a tiered intervention strategy can enhance patient care and longevity.

Keywords:
Drug effects/cardiovascularMedical morbidity and mortality in psychiatric patients

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