In a groundbreaking study conducted by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in collaboration with the University of Cambridge’s Biomedical Research Centre, researchers have unveiled a compelling correlation between severe mental illnesses and a heightened prevalence of chronic physical conditions. This comprehensive analysis, drawing on data from nearly 200,000 psychiatric patients globally, underscores the urgent need for a holistic approach in the treatment of individuals grappling with severe mental health issues.
Key Findings:
The study, encompassing data from 19 diverse research projects, examined a cohort of 194,123 psychiatric patients and compared their health profiles with those of 7,660,590 individuals in control groups.
Individuals with severe mental illnesses were found to be 1.84 times more likely to experience physical multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of chronic diseases with at least one other physical health condition.
Psychiatric patients commonly reported a range of physical conditions, including metabolic diseases, hypertension, epilepsy, respiratory issues, vascular diseases, kidney problems, gastrointestinal diseases, and cancer.
Addressing the Treatment Gap:
The research sheds light on a significant treatment gap, revealing that 71% of people globally with psychosis do not receive essential mental health services. This alarming statistic highlights a substantial disparity, particularly between high-income and low-income countries, emphasizing the pressing need for improved access to effective, affordable, and quality mental healthcare.
Lee Smith, Professor of Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University and lead author of the study, emphasized the far-reaching implications of the complex relationship between severe mental illness and physical multimorbidity. He stated, “Mental health underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships, and shape the world we live in. It is evident from our research that individuals with severe mental illness are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing physical multimorbidity.”
Implications and Urgent Call for Holistic Approach:
The intricate interplay between severe mental illness and physical multimorbidity has profound consequences, including decreased treatment compliance, increased risk of treatment failure, elevated treatment costs, relapsing disease, worsening prognosis, and reduced life expectancy. The poor clinical management of physical comorbidities in individuals with mental disorders exacerbates these issues, placing an increased burden on individuals, communities, and healthcare systems.
Professor Smith stressed the urgency of adopting a holistic approach to address the interconnected challenges of severe mental illness and physical multimorbidity. This, he argues, is essential to improve the physical, mental, and social outcomes for individuals navigating these complex health issues. As of 2019, nearly one billion people worldwide were living with a mental disorder, making it a leading cause of disability, according to data from Mind. The study serves as a critical call to action to enhance the overall well-being of those facing the dual burden of mental and physical health challenges.
