More to mental health treatment than medication
Mental Health Week 2013
8 October 2013
The nation’s peak professional body for accredited exercise physiologists, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), today urged general practitioners and healthcare workers to place more of a focus on the physical wellbeing of patients with a mental health condition when prescribing treatment programs.
ESSA Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said according to a recent study released by the National Mental Health Commission*, around 12 per cent of people living with a mental illness also experienced chronic physical health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or asthma.
“Whether it be due to lifestyle choices, genetic make-up or the medications prescribed to treat mental illness, there is undoubtedly a strong link between people living with a mental health condition and poor physical wellbeing,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Schizophrenics have been found to be twice as likely as the general population to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, and the prevalence of diabetes amongst those with a psychotic illness is three times as high as the rate amongst the broader Australian population.”
“Despite these alarming figures, two-thirds of people living with psychosis that had visited a General Practitioner in 2010 reported they had not undergone a general health check or cardiovascular-related health check in this time.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said with rates of smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, obesity and poor nutrition tending to be higher amongst those with a mental health condition, steps needed to be taken to combat the troubling cycle of disadvantage.
“It is not enough to simply write out a prescription for mental illness medication when real harm can also come from poor physical health,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death amongst those with a mental health condition and without treatment programs in place to combat this, many patients suffer.”
“While medication undoubtedly plays a key role in the treatment of mental health conditions, exercise programs are crucial in improving both the physical and mental health outcomes of people with a mental illness.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said ESSA’s 3,500-plus accredited members were capable of playing a major role in improving physical health and reducing premature deaths in people with serious mental illnesses.
“Accredited exercise physiologists can tailor programs to suit individual patients that lower the risk of premature death, control weight, improve moods and lessen the risk of developing a serious condition like cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
Depression research and information body The Black Dog Institute also points out regular exercise can be used to alleviate a number of symptoms of depression by increasing energy levels, improving sleep, distracting the sufferer from worries and inspiring a sense of control and self-esteem.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is for general practitioners to consider the overall wellbeing of mental health patients when prescribing treatment programs,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Many people with a mental health issue are unaware of how beneficial exercise can be in treating their condition when combined with appropriate medication, so it’s crucial that doctors are acknowledging the importance of physical activity as part of a broader treatment program, and referring patients to accredited exercise physiologists for a tailored exercise program.”
The calls from ESSA coincide with the commencement of Mental Health Week 2013, which raises community awareness of mental health issues between 7-13 October.
For more information regarding ESSA, visit www.essa.org.au.
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*Source —A Contributing Life: the 2012 National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
For further media information, please contact Kristen from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0406 546 461 or email kristen@freshprm.com.au.
Notes:
The Exercise & Sports Science Australia website has a dedicated search function that can provide details of accredited exercise physiologists who specialise in mental health.
Exercise & Sports Science Australia today launched a short video that highlights the key role exercise can play assisting the overall physical health of those with a mental health condition. This can be viewed here.
ABOUT ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its 3,500-plus members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: http://www.essa.org.au/
Official media spokesperson for this release:
Anita Hobson-Powell, ESSA Executive Officer
P: (07) 3862 6051
M: 0400 519 800
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