Do psychiatric departments in general hospitals have an impact on the physical health of mental patients?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent literature has increased awareness of the physical health problems that affect mental-health patients. The close association of psychiatric departments with other medical departments can lead to improved communication and support between all medical specialties. This review assesses the impact these developments have on the physical health of individuals with psychiatric disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS: The current literature shows that mentally ill individuals have increased physical illness comorbidity. They do not regularly attend screening programmes or follow-up appointments. They also have an increased incidence of unwanted events while hospitalized. These disturbing findings cannot be wholly explained by lifestyle factors and antipsychotic medication and it seems that stigma against mental illness has an effect as well.

SUMMARY: No evidence has emerged that the medical screening of psychiatric patients has improved overall. Psychiatrists may be coming more sensitive to the fact that their patients need close monitoring, not only of their mental state but also their blood pressure, sugar glucose and weight. Sensitizing clinicians to the needs of psychiatric patients is a slow procedure. There is a great need for studies on specific interventions aimed at specific medical conditions that coexist more frequently with psychiatric disorders.