Mind-Body Wellness

Health Hazards in Psychiatric Treatment: Obesity, the Metabolic Syndrome, and Premature Death

Summary

Adults with serious, persistent psychiatric problems have a documented average life expectancy that is 20% shorter than their peers in the general US population. Suicide is not the major cause - rather, it is diabetes and arteriosclerotic illnesses.

This article, adapted from Dr. Crabtree’s presentation at a national NAMI conference, identifies the presence of significant and potentially life-threatening health hazards among this vulnerable group of persons. Multiple, related causes are described, as are promising intervention strategies that have been developed at Project Transition. In addition to careful medication choices, we have implemented a lifestyle modification and wellness program, known as NEST (Nutrition, Exercise, and Stress and Tension reduction). Ongoing motivational coaching and risk factor monitoring augment these activities.

The Metabolic Syndrome is a useful medical term that describes the existence of serious health risk factors. It is diagnosed when a person has at least three of five coexisting warning signs that are predictive of premature death: obesity, low HDL (favorable cholesterol), high triglycerides, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.

The article describes a two-year evaluation that included 105 members of Project Transition (Bucks County, PA and Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia). Of those individuals, 46% met the diagnostic criteria of the Metabolic Syndrome. This compares to a national sample prevalence of 24%, which experts have been declared an epidemic. Thus, the Metabolic Syndrome may be considered a mega-epidemic among persons with serious, persistent psychiatric difficulties.

An immediate need exists for all of us to collectively invest in a heightened awareness of health hazards and the role of wellness in psychiatric recovery. There is an equally compelling need to implement effective, coordinated interventions that promote health, quality of life, and the management of known health risks.