The prevalence and significance of medical illness among chronically mentally Ill outpatients

Robert A. Maricle, William F. Hoffman, Joseph D. Bloom, Larry R. Faulkner, George A. Keepers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

The prevalence and significance of medical illnesses were examined in a sample of chronically mentally ill patients from an urban community mental health program. Eighty-eight percent had at least one significant medical illness, 51% had at least one previously undiagnosed illness and 53% were judged to be in need of some form of medical attention. The bulk of these illnesses were typical of primary care problems. In terms of causal significance, nearly as many medical illnesses appeared to be the result of the psychiatric disorder (18%) as vice versa (22%). Community mental health programs should make provisions for the medical needs of patients in comprehensive management programs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)81-90
Number of pages10
JournalCommunity mental health journal
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1987

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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