Mental Health Patients at High Risk for Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease: An Australian Perspective

Title: Mental Health Patients at High Risk for Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease: An Australian Perspective

Volume: 7 Issue: 3

Author(s): Susanne H. Stanley and Jonathan D.E. Laugharne

Affiliation:

• Community, Culture and Mental Health Unit, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, W Block, L6, 1 Alma Street, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia.

Keywords: Mental illness, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, psychotropic medications

Abstract: In Australia, rates of obesity in the general population are on the rise. The growing incidence of obesity and higher rates of metabolic syndrome in mental health patients places this group of people at a much higher risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Treatment effects via psychotropic medications, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise suggests that attention needs to be drawn to this vulnerable population. Assessment and the ongoing monitoring of physical health is essential in the prevention of major physical illness in people with a mental disorder.