Physical Health and Wellbeing

The Physical Health of People with Mental Illness

MIFA has identified that the physical health and well-being of people with mental illness is of grave concern to consumers and carers as well as health and community care professionals.

We are undertaking two consecutive years of action in identifying the physical health needs of people with mental illness, studying the literature, talking to consumers, carers and professionals and keeping these findings in the public debate in regard to severe mental illness.

Eight new short videos are available at our YouTube site - the edited highlights from the May 2011 event  "Unlocking the Door to Physical Health and Well-being: where do we find the key?"

see more videoes at MIFA on You Tube

Some facts from the literature review:

• 31% of people with schizophrenia and coronary heart disease (CHD) are diagnosed under the age of 55, compared with 18% of others with CHD.  After five years, and adjusting for age, 22% of people with CHD who have schizophrenia have died, compared with 8% of people with no serious mental health problems.

• 41% of people with schizophrenia and diabetes are diagnosed under the age of 55, compared with 30% of others with diabetes.  After five years, 19% of people with diabetes who have schizophrenia have died, compared with 9% of people with no serious mental health problems.

• 21% of people with schizophrenia who have a stroke are under 55, compared with 11% of others who have a stroke.  After five years, 28% of people who have had a stroke and who also have schizophrenia have died, compared with 12% of people with no serious mental health problems.

• 23% of people with schizophrenia and respiratory disease are diagnosed before the age of 55, compared with 17% of others with respiratory disease.  After five years, 28% of people with respiratory disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder who also have schizophrenia have died, compared with 15% of people with no serious mental health problems.
 

Find out more by reading the literature review here