NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health: Essay - Southern Cross

This essay discusses the disparities in access to quality healthcare for individuals with mental health issues, highlighting factors such as socioeconomic background and lack of resources. It examines the impact of lifestyle choices, psychotropic treatments, and healthcare access on the physical health of those with mental illnesses, noting the increased prevalence of conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory infections. The essay emphasizes the importance of addressing these physical health needs through lifestyle modifications, improved healthcare access, and interventions such as exercise, while also considering the role of social support and relationships in promoting overall well-being. This resource is available on Desklib, a platform offering a wide range of study tools and solved assignments for students.

Running head: NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health
Student Roll number
Physical health care
Mental Health patients
Student Name
7/24/2018

Running head: NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health
Introduction
The level of discrepancy in access to psychological wellness varies from country to country with different
framework models for health care services and social welfare administrations. Literature evidences
suggest that despite high demand of mental health services, developing countries still continue to face
scarcity use of mental health services. Evidence also reveal that two third of the population of every
nation continue to face psychiatric health problems without any available treatment (Zschucke, Gaudlitz
& Strohle, 2013). Twelve-month rates of use of the administration additionally tended to collapse in the
less developed countries and to match the level of GDP spent on social health security. In addition, people
from socially disturbed groups, such as ethnic / racial minorities and patients having low socio-economic
background, continue to face scarcity use of mental health services.
"Equality of access" to quality healthcare
People with mentally dysfunctional behavior do not enjoy “equity of access” to quality health care
services. The imbalance in access to mental health care may arise for a variety of reasons, including
eligibility criteria for entry into programs (for example, adoption of the required resolution); lack of
etymological boundary; strategies that are differentiated in the light of legal status (eg refugees, settlers,
racial / ethnic minorities); lack of data on where and how to obtain healthcare; (eg transport, childcare,
self-confidence, stigma-related concerns, security concerns, long waiting times for the administration,
high costs or non-flexible work roster) (Knapp et al., 2017). In order to prepare an accurate data regarding
inequalities of access to psychological health care services, evaluation measures and methodology should
be evaluated and universally implemented across the world on mental health frameworks. However, the
data cannot be evaluated unless it is measured, and there is usually no neglected need for regular
information about leadership or administration.
Access to mental health care strategies can focus on the person's potential capacity to access care
facilities, including the package of benefits included in psychological wellness coverage and accessibility
for fitting and attractive specialized organizations within a sensitive geographic proximity. Barriers that
prevent the access to such services should also be measured that occur after someone chooses to take
care, such as unsatisfactory choice of health care workers, low administrations, and inadequate
administrations. In the value-based structure, it should be borne in mind that when we strive for fair
access, we have to take into account both the horizontal value (e.g. an arrangement of equivalent

Running head: NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health
administration to measure needs) and the vertical value (e.g. different medicines for people with different
requirements or tendencies).
The policy interest in accessing psychological welfare is largely limited due to insufficient availability of
non-pharmacological drugs, such as psychological treatment therapy. While psychological treatment
therapy are generally more worthy of patients than a prescription drug, their availability is undoubtedly
limited as a result of the barriers to the quantity of satisfactorily trained specialists who can deliver these
drugs. As noted above, the demand for help and the access to the administration of psychological welfare
problems are often described by vulnerability to the importance of side effects and accessibility of aid.
For example, lack of drug treatment is commonly the result of lack of information and knowledge of the
patients on the main psychological issues and the viability of treatment, none of which could be
influenced by supply arrangements. Ideas for "illustrating models" or "admissions of disease" are used to
capture contrasts between patient and expert ideas for disease and treatment and to present diversity
among patient groups in the way they understand and respond to the disease.
A central idea of the importance of candidature is the personality that leverages the sense of self,
maintained in communication with others. Individuals are convinced to seek to affirm their character in
co-ordination, and literature evidence suggests that negative encounters with the psychiatrist reflect to
some extent the dangers to the person’s own identity (Knapp et al., 2017). This may include obvious
stereotypes, insults, and feelings ignored and their subjective experience. Personality effects can be
increased due to the ethical nature of persecution and the stimulation of aid, especially in psychologically
disturbed individuals. As per literature, patients suffering from mental health problems are sensitive to
judgments made about them. Careful treatment planning is therefore essential for psychological
counseling and support services. An inexperienced encounter might add to their subjective experience
(dangers to the person’s own identity) and they might lose their interest in their psychological counseling
and support services (Joyce et al., 2016). Seeing how these costs and benefits are considered and
evaluated, it is important to see how the candidature is characterized.
Factors that contribute to health issues in people diagnosed with mental
illness
The life expectancy of patients suffering from psychological problems is less as compared to general
population. Physical illness is the main factor responsible for this excess mortality (Hert et al., 2011). The
factors that are responsible for health issues in people diagnosed with mental illness include significant
individual lifestyle choices, psychotropic treatment symptoms, and differences in access to health care

Running head: NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health
services, and socioeconomic factors that add to these bad physical results. Diet and metabolic infections,
cardiovascular diseases, viral diseases, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, sexual
dysfunction, pregnancy complications, dental diseases and potentially weight-related growth are more
prevalent among people with serious mental illness (Hert et al., 2011). Most of these physical illnesses
seem to result due to the lifestyle factors and additional psychotropic drug treatment. In addition,
literature reports suggest that people suffering from mental health problems are less inclined towards
treatment and standard health care support (Knapp et al., 2017). Most of the mental health problems can
be treated by lifestyle modification, however, this procedure is not even considered. Moreover, the health
care facilities for mental health patients should also include better access to psychotropic drugs. Although
numerous elements contribute to the poor physical health of serious mental illness patients, the increased
death rates found in this population are mostly due to the presence of certain significant risk factors, a
large number of which have been identified with a particular way of life solutions.
For a long time Health and fitness of individuals with (extreme) psychological illness has been neglected
and is still today (Joyce et al., 2016). There is widespread evidence that inconsistencies in access and use
of social security, as well as in the provision of resources, add to these poor results for physical well-
being. A combination of patients, providers and framework factors has made circumstances where access
and the nature of social security are difficult for people with serious mental illness (Hassan et al., 2016).
Gaps in access to health care are huge in the today’s world. Subsequently, this developing problem of
therapeutic comorbidities and unexpected death in serious mental illness requires a serious call for action.
Contributing factors of physical instability are seen as having an effect on the physical stability of these
individuals, for example psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers),
lifestyle choices (e.g. eating habits, smoking and exercise) inconsistencies in social security (Hassan et
al., 2016).
PHYSICAL DISEASES RELATED TO SMI AND / OR PSYCHOTROPICAL
TREATMENT
Factors other than access to medical services that may lead to poor physical well-being in individuals who
are found to have dysfunctional behavior
Psychotropic agents causing obesity
Clinical trials offer up to seventy percent of patients with bipolar disorder seeking treatment to be
overweight or obese. Obesity rate is thrice more likely in persons suffering from mental health problems

Running head: NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health
such as schizophrenia. Again, those with a significant depression or bipolar problem have more likelihood
of being obese (BMI ≥30).
In persons suffering from mental health issues, obesity is caused not only due to lifestyle factors (eg
inactivity and eating habits) but also due to mental health-related issues such as negative, disturbed and
depressive episodes and treatment-related components, including the weight risk of some psychotropic
drugs. Adverse effects, such as drug dependence, should also be considered potential factors of weight
gain, although not yet fully explained, drugs are having an effect on the appetite and consumption of
food.
Diabetes Mellitus in patients with SMI
Literature evidence suggests that the predominance of Diabetes Mellitus in individuals with mental health
issues (bipolar disorder and schizoaffective problem) is three times higher in contrast to general
population (Ussher, Taylor & Faulkner, 2017). The goal behind the widespread DM risk of patients with
SMI is multifactorial and includes congenital life factors and additional effects on disease and treatment.
Extending established chronological factors in these patients to some extent represents a major part of the
increased risk.
Cardiovascular diseases
Literature evidence shows that patients with mental health issues (depression, bipolar disorder and
schizoaffective problem) are generally at higher risk for CVS problems and subsequent death (Ussher,
Taylor & Faulkner, 2017). A combination of risk factors is responsible for higher CVD in mental health
patients including both genetic and treatment drug related factors. Most of the people suffering from
mental health issue are generally overweight, have diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia and are regular
smokers.
Cerebrovascular disease in patients with SMI
CVD is the collection of mental health issues identified with the inefficacy of the blood vessels that
supply the brain and can lead to CVD or stroke. A combination of risk factors is responsible for higher
cerebrovascular diseases in mental health patients including both genetic and treatment drug related
factors.
Sudden heart attack and psychotropic
Risk of sudden heart attack is three times more in patients suffering from serious mental health problems
(e.g. schizophrenia and depression) as compared to general population (Hassan et al., 2016).

Running head: NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health
Viral infections
Mental health patients are likely to be more associated with viral infections, mostly HIV infection and
hepatitis C infection (Clement et al., 2015).
Hepatitis
Drug abusers and persons suffering from serious mental illness issues should be routinely screened for
hepatitis C infections. The transmission occurs mostly due to unhygienic practices and medications
mortality (Hassan et al., 2016).
Diseases of the respiratory tract
Respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, have long been associated with people
suffering from mental health issues. Regardless of when smoking is controlled, the individuals with
schizophrenia and bipolar issues are likely to experience the bad effects of emphysema. Although the
exact etiology is unknown, the higher incidence of persistent obstructive pulmonary infection has been
associated with the use of conventional phenothiazine drug.
The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is motivational speculative thinking, including a model of human needs
at five levels. It includes biological and physiological prerequisites, such as success, security, assertion,
legitimacy and safety. It also includes psychological needs such as love and relationship, including family
relationships, proximity, trust and recognition, recognition, communication and love. Social recognition
and acceptance from family relations and a desire for fame by recognition of individual potential are the
basic necessities of every individual. These needs can be met by lifestyle modification. Maintaining
healthy relationships with family and friends can help in increasing self-esteem of an individual and can
help to build kinship, closeness, trust and recognition, acceptance, friendship and love.
Interventions based on exercises
Huge social and financial burdens on health frameworks around the world arise due to mental disorders,
raising the issue of effective and durable medicines. However, skewed risk-benefit ratio of most
psychotropic drugs has questioned the pharmacotherapy of mental health problems. Therefore, scientists
and researchers have cherished the idea of associating physical activity and exercise in addition to
pharmacological interceptive therapy (Gask et al., 2012).

Running head: NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health
Although, various studies have revealed the beneficial effects of physical activity and exercise in the
treatment of psychological problem, confirmation is limited to the certain psychological problem. Various
literature studies have led to the presumption that non-specific impacts may be triggered by some of the
effects of a lower intensity exercise that is consistent with epidemiological analysis (Gask et al., 2012).
Nonetheless, some conclusions can be drawn on the conditions that the exercising might make promising
treatment for mental illness issues based on the strength and interval of their exercise routine. Patients are
likely to detect noticeable clinical changes. Patient consistency joining exercise program and post-
program continuation are seen to benefit more as compared to persons recovering solely on medication
intervention (Clement et al., 2015). It is necessary to intensely approach and prepare the administration, in
particular to start with, and physical activity and exercise should be coordinated in psychotherapy
(Ussher, Taylor & Faulkner, 2017).
In addition to physical exercise, "Meditation exercise, such as yoga, attract great attention as additional
treatment, for psychological distress, depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, eating problems and
the cessation of smoking (Clement et al., 2015).
Conclusion
In summary, numerous physical problems have been recognized, which are more common in people with
serious mental issues. Regardless of the possibilities of changing lifestyle and responses to the
psychotropic solution, the inadequate access and nature of social care for patients with SMI are
addressable. A more prominent individual and frame attitude towards these physical problems that can
lead to a decline in mental health, adherence to treatment and the future as well as personal satisfaction
will improve the performance of these underprivileged populations around the world. Factors that lead to
physical health issues in patients with serious mental illness should be identified in initial stages.
Educating the patients regarding mental health issues and removing the stigma associated with mental
health treatment can help to eradicate these issues.

Running head: NRS93003 Physical Care in Mental Health
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