Monitoring the Physical Health of Patients on Long‐term Antipsychotics ‐ How Easy Will It Be?

Abstract

The physical health of patients with severe mental illness is often neglected or managed poorly, and regular review of physical health is now being strongly advised. The study described here explored the feasibility of such reviews in a community mental health care setting. A small group of patients was invited to attend for blood tests and a brief physical examination. The findings from the study suggest that the monitoring of patients with severe enduring mental illness is an important but difficult task. It will require careful planning and the engagement of patients, general practitioners and community mental health teams.

Citation

Ahmad, K., Sadiq, F. and Bouch, J. (2007), "Monitoring the Physical Health of Patients on Long‐term Antipsychotics ‐ How Easy Will It Be?", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 36-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/13619322200700020