Rethinking Recovery in Mental Illness - Integrating Physical and Mental Health

Abstract

Multimorbidity is the co-occurrence of more than one chronic condition. Multimorbidity is likely to rapidly rise in the lower- and middle-income countries (LAMICs). Multimorbidity involving noncommunicable diseases and mental illness negatively impacts the quality of life and clinical recovery in both conditions. Most health systems and programs cater to single diseases. In this article, we discuss the extent of the problem, potential challenges, and opportunities with focus on LAMIC exemplified by India. Integration of care is required in the context of multimorbidity. These can be provided in the existing national programs in India. Service provision needs to become personal recovery oriented. Service users should be engaged in the development of services and research in this area. Existing models emphasize on self-management/self-care and provider–patient partnership. These need to be adapted and tested for feasibility in LAMIC.