Mental Health Reform Essay

Obesity is one of the fastest growing health concerns globally. Being obese leads to a shorter life span as well as a greater risk of poor health. It leads to diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia and respiratory conditions. Obesity in people with a serious mental illness has a clinically significant link. Compared to the general population, a person with a serious mental disorder is at an increased risk of being overweight even in the early phase of illness with and/or without the use of medication. This does vary by illness type. “People with schizophrenia have a 2.8 – 3.5 increased likelihood of being obese.” (WPA EDUCATIONSAL CITE) One study showed among those with severe depression, 57.8% of them were obese. It is significantly linked to lifestyle factors, as with the general population but also illness related risks including disorganisation, negative

The Mental Health Reform 2013, states policies and guideline relating to this healthcare issue. In Ireland, strategy on mental health in primary care has come from both the Government's mental health policy and 2001 primary care strategy. The WHO has recommended that primary care mental health services plays a key role in increasing access to treatment and services for related mental and physical health condition. The policies state supportive and quality primary care services makes health care more accessible for people suffering morbidity and mortality of physical illness secondary to a serious mental health illness. The Mental Health Policy (2006) A Vision for Change, states that a 'pivotal role' for mental health is access to primary care. A Vision for Change also recognises a GP's role is to detect and treat the individual and treat them with general healthcare for both mental and relating physical