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Physical health of patients in continuing care

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Alistair Santhouse  and
Frank Holloway
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As psychiatrists, we are responsible for large numbers of patients who require follow-up over years, and often lifelong. Usually these patients suffer from chronic psychotic illnesses, and their psychiatrist may be their main point of contact with the medical profession. As a group they face a whole range of problems – not only from the psychiatric condition itself, with its associated stigma and psychosocial stresses, but also from unemployment, poverty, poor housing and worse physical health.

This review will look at the evidence that patients in continuing care have increased morbidity and mortality. The types of illness excess will be examined and explanations suggested as to why such an increase exists. Finally, we present practical steps that might usefully be taken to reduce physical illness and premature death in this vulnerable group.

Type
Research Article
Information
Advances in Psychiatric Treatment , Volume 5 , Issue 6 , November 1999 , pp. 455 - 462
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 1999 

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