Physical health care

This chapter explores the impact of physical health comorbidities on morbidity and mortality in individuals with psychiatric illnesses. There is a significant and enduring disparity in the life expectancy of the general population and people with severe mental illness (SMI). The majority of this inequality is due to preventable physical illness, particularly cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Risk factors for these disorders such as smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity are disproportionately represented in SMI populations and some psychotropic medications also contribute. Physical ill health impacts negatively on mental health outcomes. Psychiatric inpatient admissions represent a unique opportunity to address many of these illnesses and risk factors. Physical health care is the business of all professionals involved in inpatient care.