Schizophrenics need general health support as part of integrated care

 

[caption id="attachment_11074" align="alignleft" width="300"] schizophrenic[/caption]

Marsha Hunt---Often after a crime occurs involving someone who evidenced psychotic symptoms, it has been found those symptoms had appeared earlier, as new research tells us that unhealthy lifestyles in general are red flags for a psychiatric illness.

People who don't seem to care about themselves and have increased rates of needing health care and medications tend to have greater incidences of mental health conditions than others. Researchers are quick to underline, however, the fact that having physical problems does not in and of itself mean an individual is mentally ill. It is simply one of the indicators.

The research examined nearly ¼ million people in 52 countries and was supported by the World Health Survey. They found those who had experienced at least one psychotic symptom during the year of the study had more vision, hearing and teeth problems than those without any symptoms of psychoses.

Gregorio Maranon of Carmen Moreno Hospital in Madrid tells us that, “Patients with psychotic disorders and even with psychotic symptoms not fulfilling diagostic criteria for a psychotic disorder should be screened for additional medical problems.” Researchers also declare doctors should be trained in diagnosing patients with comorbid conditions.

This dovetails with an international report that underlines the importance of integrated care of the mentally ill. Experts say the road to recovery and function means to help alleviate painful symptoms, such as these comorbid conditions.