Behavioral Interventions to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Among People with Severe Mental Disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in individuals with severe mental disorders (SMD).
• CVD risk factors are prevalent in SMD populations and are influenced by individual, health system, and socio-environmental factors.
• These risk factors exacerbate both physical and mental health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review behavioral interventions targeting seven common CVD risk behaviors in people with SMD.
• To provide clinical recommendations for reducing CVD risk in this population.
• To highlight the importance of a transdiagnostic psychological approach.

Main Methods:

• Survey of recent meta-reviews on behavioral interventions for CVD risk behaviors in SMD.
• Review of key additional studies.
• Synthesis of findings to formulate clinical recommendations.

Main Results:

• Identified seven key CVD risk behaviors: smoking, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, inadequate sleep, poor social participation, and poor medication adherence.
• Behavioral interventions show promise in addressing these risk behaviors.
• A transdiagnostic psychological approach is supported by the evidence.

Conclusions:

• Integrating behavioral interventions into mental health treatment is crucial for reducing CVD risk in people with SMD.
• A multidisciplinary, transdiagnostic approach addressing multiple risk behaviors from the outset of mental health care is recommended.
• Addressing CVD risk factors can improve both physical and mental health outcomes for individuals with SMD.