Schizophrenia and physical health problems.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of physical health problems in patients with schizophrenia, and to appraise the impact on mortality rates and quality of life (QoL) in such patients.


METHODS
A selective review of clinical articles relating to physical health such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and QoL. In addition, current guidelines and recommendations for the monitoring of physical health in schizophrenia were reviewed.


RESULTS
Cardiovascular events contribute most strongly to the excess mortality observed in schizophrenia. Other factors that contribute significantly include obesity, metabolic aberrations, smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise and poor diet - all of which might be targets for health promoting activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical health problems in patients with schizophrenia are common, and contribute to the excess mortality rate, as well as decreasing QoL. Many adverse physical factors are malleable in such patients, and physical benefit may be gained by following practical guidelines for their monitoring and improvement.
von Hausswolff-Juhlin
Y
Y
Department of Psychiatry, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. yvonne.linne@ki.se
Bjartveit
M
M
Lindström
E
E
Jones
P
P
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002423:Cause of Death; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D015897:Comorbidity; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents