Management of physical health in patients with schizophrenia: practical recommendations.
Improved physical health care is a pressing need for patients with schizophrenia. It can be achieved by means of a multidisciplinary team led by the psychiatrist. Key priorities should include: selection of antipsychotic therapy with a low risk of weight gain and metabolic adverse effects; routine assessment, recording and longitudinal tracking of key physical health parameters, ideally by electronic spreadsheets; and intervention to control CVD risk following the same principles as for the general population. A few simple tools to assess and record key physical parameters, combined with lifestyle intervention and pharmacological treatment as indicated, could significantly improve physical outcomes. Effective implementation of strategies to optimise physical health parameters in patients with severe enduring mental illness requires engagement and communication between psychiatrists and primary care in most health settings.
Heald
A
A
Leighton Hospital, Crewe, United-Kingdom. adrian.heald@manchester.ac.uk
Montejo
A L
AL
Millar
H
H
De Hert
M
M
McCrae
J
J
Correll
C U
CU
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015897:Comorbidity; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008019:Life Style; D008403:Mass Screening; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010808:Physical Examination; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents