Physical health in schizophrenia: a challenge for antipsychotic therapy

AbstractIn the management of schizophrenia, mental health outcomes are the principal focus of treatment. The objective is to control the psychotic symptoms while minimising negative features of the illness, to achieve an overall improvement in the societal functioning of patients. Physical health is also important because if it is compromised, many of the benefits of improved mental health will be offset. Compared with the general population, schizophrenia patients are at increased risk of weight gain, abdominal obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. These physical health problems can contribute to the decreased quality of life, lowered self-esteem and reduced life expectancy commonly reported in schizophrenia. For these reasons there is a pressing need to improve both the monitoring and the management of physical health in patients with schizophrenia as a part of their overall care. A consensus for metabolic monitoring of patients receiving treatment with antipsychotic drugs is available. However, the practicing clinician requires guidance about management of physical health in routine clinical practice. This should include recommendations for measurements that have strong predictive value about physical health risks yet are easy to make, and about the use of medications that have the least effect on physical health parameters. This article will review the gravity of the physical health risks facing schizophrenia patients.

Download Full-text

Stress, Resiliency Factors, Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (HFASDs)

Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling ◽

10.1017/jrc.2012.5 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 25-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Gloria K. Lee ◽

Christopher Lopata ◽

Martin A. Volker ◽

Marcus L. Thomeer ◽

Jennifer A. Toomey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

High Functioning Autism ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

High Functioning ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Age Range

This study investigated the relationships among stress, intrapersonal resiliency factors (self-esteem, locus of control, and optimism) and quality of life [QOL] (physical health and mental health) among caregivers of children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASDs). Participants consisted of 113 caregivers of children with HFASDs (males = 38.1%, females = 61.9%; age range = 27–62; 93.6% Caucasians) and 47 caregivers of typically developing children (males = 29.8%; females = 70.2%; age range = 30–56; 93.3% Caucasians). They completed a set of self-rating surveys on perceived locus of control, self-esteem, optimism, and QOL. Within-group inferential statistical analyses were applied. For the HFASD group analyses, two simultaneous regression analyses were used to study the independent effects of the three intrapersonal variables on the physical health and mental health QOL of the caregivers. Intrapersonal factors predicted self-reported mental health QOL but not physical health QOL in caregivers of children with HFASDs.

Download Full-text

Physical activity as an intervention in severe mental illness

BJPsych Advances ◽

10.1192/bja.2021.33 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Aaron A. Kandola ◽

David P. J. Osborn

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Physical Health ◽

Severe Mental Illness ◽

Routine Practice ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Physical Health Problems ◽

Health Complications

SUMMARY Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for several physical and mental health conditions. It is well established that people with severe mental illness have increased risk of physical health complications, particularly cardiovascular disease. They are also more likely to be physically inactive, contributing to the elevated cardiovascular and metabolic risks, which are further compounded by antipsychotic medication use. Interventions involving physical activity are a relatively low risk and accessible way of reducing physical health problems and weight in people with severe mental illness. They also have wider benefits for mental health symptoms and quality of life. However, many barriers still exist to the widespread implementation of physical activity interventions in the treatment of severe mental illness. A more concerted effort is needed to facilitate their translation into routine practice and to increase adherence to activity interventions.

Download Full-text

Depression among nursing students associated to their self-esteem, health perception and interest in mental health

Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/s0104-11692008000200005 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 198-204 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Antonia Regina Ferreira Furegato ◽

Jair Licio Ferreira Santos ◽

Edilaine Cristina da Silva

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Physical Health ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Ethics Committee ◽

Health Perception ◽

The Self ◽

Points Of View

This study aimed to identify the presence of depression among nursing students in relation to their self-esteem, perception of physical health and interest in mental health. METHODOLOGY: the research was carried out in class among 224 nursing students. The Depression Knowledge and Points of View questionnaire was used, as well as Beck's inventory, the Self-esteem scale and information about health and quality of life. Sociodemographic and clinical data were investigated, as well as the students' interest in mental health. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee. RESULTS: depression is present among nursing students at levels expected for the population. The statistically assessed results evidenced a correlation between physical health perception (bad and medium), interest and attendance to courses in the field, concluding that there are greater chances of depression among nursing students.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of an exercise physiology service in a youth mental health service

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/ipm.2020.91 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

M. Pearce ◽

L. Foote ◽

E. Brown ◽

B. O’Donoghue

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Service ◽

Young People ◽

Health Service ◽

Physical Health ◽

Exercise Physiology ◽

Youth Mental Health ◽

Metabolic Monitoring ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Co Morbidity

Background Individuals who experience serious mental health disorders are at an increased risk of physical illness co-morbidity and early intervention is crucial. Recommendations to embed an exercise physiologist service into a mental health service have not been fully evaluated. Objectives This study aimed to determine (i) demographics and clinical characteristics of the young people referred to exercise physiology, (ii) adherence to metabolic monitoring, (iii) baseline physical health and (iv) level of engagement after referral. Methods This is a naturalistic cohort study and included all young people referred to the exercise physiology service between 2015 and 2019 at Orygen, a specialist youth mental health service in the north-western region of Melbourne. Results During the study period of 45 months, 312 young people were referred to exercise physiology, and of those, 51.3% were male. The mean age was 19.8 years. In regard to primary diagnoses, 47.4% had a psychotic disorder and 33.7% an affective disorder. Baseline weight measurements were completed for 71.8% of young people. The proportion of young people who were classified as overweight or obese increased from 55.1% to 70.4% (p < 0.001). For those referred, 61.5% attended either an individual session or a group session. A total of 29.5% did not attend their appointment following referral. Conclusions As over half of young people had poor physical health at presentation, integrating an exercise physiology service into a youth mental health service is a novel and needed intervention. However, there still needs to be an emphasis on metabolic monitoring and engagement.

Download Full-text

Do mental health problems in childhood predict chronic physical conditions among males in early adulthood? Evidence from a community-based prospective study

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291708003504 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 301-311 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

R. D. Goodwin ◽

A. Sourander ◽

C. S. Duarte ◽

S. Niemelä ◽

P. Multimäki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Health Problems ◽

Childhood Mental Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Physical Health Problems ◽

Physical Disorders ◽

The Relationship

BackgroundPrevious studies have documented associations between mental and physical health problems in cross-sectional studies, yet little is known about these relationships over time or the specificity of these associations. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between mental health problems in childhood at age 8 years and physical disorders in adulthood at ages 18–23 years.MethodMultiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between childhood mental health problems, reported by child, parent and teacher, and physical disorders diagnosed by a physician in early adulthood.ResultsSignificant linkages emerged between childhood mental health problems and obesity, atopic eczema, epilepsy and asthma in early adulthood. Specifically, conduct problems in childhood were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of obesity and atopic eczema; emotional problems were associated with an increased likelihood of epilepsy and asthma; and depression symptoms at age 8 were associated with an increased risk of asthma in early adulthood.ConclusionsOur findings provide the first evidence of an association between mental health problems during childhood and increased risk of specific physical health problems, mainly asthma and obesity, during early adulthood, in a representative sample of males over time. These data suggest that behavioral and emotional problems in childhood may signal vulnerability to chronic physical health problems during early adulthood.

Download Full-text

Effects of depression on quality of life in Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.8510 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽

pp. 8510-8510

Author(s):

C. Chang ◽

S. J. Knight ◽

C. L. Bennett

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Prostate Cancer ◽

Physical Health ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Health Problems ◽

The Past ◽

Physical Health Problems ◽

The Impact

8510 Background: Depression is very common in the elderly and is particularly costly because of associated mortality, excess disability, and interactions with other physical health problems. We aimed to examine the impact of depression on quality of life in the older prostate cancer patients receiving Medicare benefits. Methods: Data came from the 2003 Cohort VI Baseline Medicare Health Outcomes Survey. Among the 109,115 individuals, only those who were under treatment for prostate cancer and completed the survey themselves were included in this study (n=2,191). Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire and the physical and mental health component scores (higher scores indicating better health) were analyzed. Results: Eighty-eight percent were whites, 75% were married, 76% had at least high school education, 45% were aged 65 to 74, and 55% were aged 75 and older. Those who reported having been depressed in the past two weeks (n=453; 21%) had significantly lower physical health (34.06 vs. 40.24; p < .001) and mental health (41.14 vs. 54.41; p < .001) than those who did not. Similar patterns were observed for those who endorsed questions indicating “depression much of the time in the past year” and “depression most of the time in the past 2 years”. Conclusions: Depression is prevalent among older men diagnosed with prostate cancer, and those who acknowledge being depressed in the past 2 weeks to 2 years have significantly worse mental and physical health. Attention to depression, in addition to prostate cancer specific issues, should be considered among prostate cancer patients who report mental or physical health problems. Early detection and treatment of depression in this population could potentially alleviate their suffering and improve their quality of life. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Download Full-text

Mental Health Status and Health-Related Quality of Life among Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Patients in Thailand: A Multi-Site Study

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand ◽

10.35755/jmedassocthai.2020.11.11156 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 103 (11) ◽

pp. 1185-1193

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Background: The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients oftentimes suffer from both physical and psychosocial challenges that may lead to low health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, limited research has been done in this area. Objective: To examined mental health status and HRQoL among SLE patients in Thailand. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted at the rheumatology clinic of four major hospitals in Thailand. The paper-based questionnaire consisted of demographic, health history such as depression, anxiety, stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE), and the disease-specific Lupus Quality of Life scale (LupusQoL). Depending on the variable’s level of measurement such as categorical or continuous, Spearman’s Rho or Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficients were used to explore the relationships among the variables. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to identify the predictors of LupusQoL. Results: Among the 387 participants, many might have experienced depression, anxiety, and stress (30%, 51%, and 29%, respectively). Self-esteem among the participants was good (31.8 out of 40). All eight domains of LupusQoL were affected with intimate relationship domain being impacted the most. The overall LupusQoL was significantly associated with the number of prescribed medications (r=–0.23), depression (r=–0.70), anxiety (r=–0.58), stress (r=–0.67), and self-esteem (r=0.59), p<0.001. Significant predictors of the overall LupusQoL were mental health status (depression, anxiety, and stress) and self-esteem, F (3, 81)=43.10, p<0.001, adjusted R²=0.60. Conclusion: SLE patients should be holistically assessed in both physical and psychological aspects. In addition to proper medical treatments, healthcare providers should use a multidisciplinary team approach to resolve the patients’ psychosocial issues, which in turn, may increase the patients’ quality of life. Self-care education may be necessary to help the patients manage the condition and decrease the number of medications. Keywords: Mental health, Quality of life, SLE, Thailand

Download Full-text

TATUS KESEHATAN MENTAL PASIEN GOUT ARHTRITIS DI KOTA TOMOHON

Jurnal Kesehatan Bakti Tunas Husada: Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Keperawatan, Analis Kesehatan dan Farmasi ◽

10.36465/jkbth.v19i2.501 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 226

Author(s):

Desi Desi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Physical Health ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Survey Methods ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Study Data ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Physical Health Problems ◽

Descriptive Approach

Gout Arthritis is a disease known as gout, but in certain conditions this disease can cause physical symptoms that are not visible to some people. When there are problems with physical health, other health aspects will also have an impact. The same is true for patients diagnosed with Gout Arthritis, not only physical aspects but can affect other aspects, especially when having physical symptoms such as tofi. Mental health is a condition where there is a balance between emotional, behavioral and cognitive. This is the basis of the importance of maintaining mental health for someone who does not have physical health problems and for someone who has a disease such as Gout Arthritis patients. The purpose of this study was to find out how mental health status in Gout Arthritis patients in Tomohon City. Quantitative research using a descriptive approach was used in this study. Data collection used survey methods with questionnaires. The results showed that the majority of respondents had adequate mental health (80.6%). Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that mental health status in Gout Arthritis patients in Tomohon City was at a sufficient level. These influenced by himself and the environment around them.

Download Full-text

Self-Rated Health and Psychological Distress among Emerging Adults in Italy: A Comparison between Data on University Students, Young Workers and Working Students Collected through the 2005 and 2013 National Health Surveys

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126403 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6403

Author(s):

Isabella Giulia Franzoi ◽

Fabrizio D’Ovidio ◽

Giuseppe Costa ◽

Angelo d’Errico ◽

Antonella Granieri

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

University Students ◽

Physical Health ◽

Emerging Adults ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Health Surveys ◽

Poor General Health ◽

Working Students ◽

Increased Risk ◽

National Health Surveys

Background. The present study aimed at comparing self-reported physical health and mental health among university students, workers, and working students aged between 19 years and 29 years. Method. Using data from National Health Surveys held in 2005 and 2013, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 18,612 Italian emerging adults grouped into three groups: university students, workers, and working students. The odds ratios of self-reported anxiety or depression, poor general health, and poor mental health and physical health (as assessed through SF-12) were estimated through logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results. Compared with workers, students showed an increased risk of anxiety or depression and a lower risk of poor general health. Students and working students showed an increased risk of reporting weak mental health compared with that in workers, while students displayed a lower risk of poor physical health. Significant differences were not found between the 2005 and 2013 surveys. Conclusions. These results are of considerable importance for psychologists as well as educational and occupation-based institutions for planning prevention programs and clinical interventions.

Download Full-text

Comparative analysis of postoperative sexual dysfunction and quality of life in type a aortic dissection patients of different ages

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery ◽

10.1186/s13019-021-01468-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zeng-Rong Luo ◽

Dong-Shan Liao ◽

Liang-Wan Chen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Aortic Dissection ◽

Physical Health ◽

The Elderly ◽

Type A Aortic Dissection ◽

Postoperative Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract Background To compare postoperative sexual dysfunction (SD) and quality of life (QOL) in Type A Aortic Dissection (AAD) Patients of Different Ages. Methods From January 2018 to December 2019, 204 AAD postoperative survivors in Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University were selected and were divided into young group (less than 50 years old) and elderly group (more than 50 years old). We evaluated SD according to the male International Erectile Dysfunction Index (IIEF-5) and female sexual function index (FSFI). The Short Form 12 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-12) and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) were used to investigate the QOL, Quick Inventory Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to investigate depressive symptoms. Results One hundred seventy-five patients completed all the questionnaire (85.8%). The total SD prevalence rate was 38.9% (68 cases), with 27.4% of the young (20 cases) and 47.1% of the elderly (48 cases). The age of non-SD and SD patients was 49.0 ± 11.5 and 56.9 ± 10.8 years, respectively (P = 0.03). Compared with non-SD patients, the total physical health of SD patients was significantly worse (P = 0.04), however, the mental health was not significantly worse (P = 0.77); the depressive symptoms did not expressed a significant difference between the SD and non-SD groups (QIDS-SR P = 0.15, BDI-II P = 0.06). Total physical health scores in the young SD group did not show significant better than elderly SD group (P = 0.24), however, total mental health scores showed significantly worse (P = 0.04), depressive symptoms scores were significantly higher (QIDS-SR P = 0.03, BDI-II P = 0.04). Conclusion The postoperative AAD SD prevalence of elderly is higher than that of young, and the total physical health of SD patients is poorer than those without SD patients. The young SD patients did not show a significant higher physical health scores than the elderly SD patients, instead, the young SD patients were more psychologically affected than the elderly SD patients, whose mental health was worse, and depression symptoms were more obvious, suggesting that the factors affecting the QOL of postoperative SD patients are related to physical factors, but the young postoperative SD patients mainly affected by psychological factors.

Download Full-text