Aim: Research has revealed higher risks of somatic problems among patients with non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPD) compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to examine whether NAPD patients also show increased somatic health care utilization compared to personally-matched controls without a psychiatric diagnosis and patients with unipolar depression, anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder. Methods: Data from a large Health Insurance agency were used to analyze prescribed somatic medication, general practitioner consultations, and treatment by a somatic specialist. Results: Patients with NAPD showed serious somatic under treatment, which was associated with older age and longer illness duration. Conclusion: In view of the high risk on natural death causes among patients with NAPD, our data indicate under treatment for physical disorders, especially at older age and with longer duration of the mental disorder. Presentatie voor UMCU Psychiatrie All-in 24 oktober 2017
Aim: Research has revealed higher risks of somatic problems among patients with non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPD) compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to examine whether NAPD patients also show increased somatic health care utilization compared to personally-matched controls without a psychiatric diagnosis and patients with unipolar depression, anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder. Methods: Data from a large Health Insurance agency were used to analyze prescribed somatic medication, general practitioner consultations, and treatment by a somatic specialist. Results: Patients with NAPD showed serious somatic under treatment, which was associated with older age and longer illness duration. Conclusion: In view of the high risk on natural death causes among patients with NAPD, our data indicate under treatment for physical disorders, especially at older age and with longer duration of the mental disorder.
PURPOSE: To study the preliminary effects and feasibility of the “Traffic Light Method for somatic screening and lifestyle” (TLM) in patients with severe mental illness. DESIGN AND METHODS: A pilot study using a quasi-experimental mixed method design with additional content analyses of lifestyle plans and logbooks. FINDINGS: Significant improvements were found in body weight and waist circumference. Positive trends were found in patients’ subjective evaluations of the TLM. The implementation of the TLM was considered feasible. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The TLM may contribute to a higher quality of care regarding somatic screening and lifestyle training.
