Stubbs, Brendon, Soundy, Andy, Probst, Michel, Parker, Anne, Skjaerven, Liv Helvik, Lundvik Gyllensten, Amanda and Vancampfort, Davy (2014) Meeting the drastic physical health disparity in people with schizophrenia: a leading role for all physiotherapists (editorial). Physiotherapy, 100 (3). pp. 185-186. ISSN 0031-9406 (doi:10.1016/j.physio.2013.11.003)

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Abstract

[From Accepted Manuscript Version] People with schizophrenia often die decades before members of the general population [1], despite the fact that people with schizophrenia are reported to have up to twice as much contact with health services [2]. The reasons for this health disparity are complex and include genetic predisposition, use of antipsychotic medication and a range of modifiable risk factors around poor lifestyle choices [1]. A recent report published in the UK [3] stated that people with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are at substantially higher risk of various physical comorbidities, many of which are avoidable. For example, people with schizophrenia have a 10-fold higher risk of death from respiratory disease, are twice as likely to develop diabetes, and two to three times as likely to develop coronary heart disease compared with the general population [3].
We believe there is an urgent need to develop a sound evidence base for physiotherapy-led interventions through robust high-quality research in the care of people with mental illness, including people with schizophrenia. In addition, it is recommended that all physiotherapists should receive training and education in working with people with mental illness. Physiotherapists are ideally placed to lead clinical teams in addressing the physical health needs of individuals with schizophrenia [8]. With further training, physiotherapists will be optimally placed to help reduce the comorbidities of the disease and ultimately prevent premature mortality for individuals with schizophrenia. IOPTMH recognises the urgency of this and is committed to developing research and evidence-based training that can impact clinical practice and place physiotherapists as leaders in the field of physical health promotion [12].

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	mental health, physiotherapy, schizophrenia, physical activity, education
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2016 13:34
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/10806

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