As if it isn’t bad enough suffering from a mental disorder, image also suffering from a physical disorder. Such comorbidity exists between mental and physical disorders and it is more common than you may realize. Think of the war veteran suffering from the amputation of his limb, as well as battling post-traumatic stress disorder. Think of the teen born with cystic fibrous and who is now contemplating suicide after a major depression episode. Lastly, think of the Grandma with Alzheimer’s disease whose arthritis is so severe she is stuck in a wheel chair. There are an infinite number of faces of such comorbidity and more cases can strike at any given time. I think the majority of us take for granted our physical and mental health and it isn’t until one (or more) area is compromised that recognition is given to healthy functioning.
Sartorius (2007) has noted publications which document the frequency of physical illness in people suffering from schizophrenia as well as the frequency and types of physical illnesses in people with other mental disorders. Such publications have highlighted the alarming number of comorbidity cases of mental and physical disorders, as well as many implications of such a relation. The relationships between physical and mental disorders are indeed substantial, and give rise to the mind and body connection. Sartorius (2007) states that people with schizophrenia not only have higher rates of physical illnesses than those without, they also experience more difficulty getting adequate health care. This is in part due to the fact that psychiatrists are reluctant to treat physical illnesses in mentally ill patients. In addition to schizophrenic patients, depressive disorders are also associated with physical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes (Sartorius, 2007). Specifically, people with dementia often have physical diseases as well as other individuals who suffer from other forms of mental disorders.
Sartorius (2007) states his frustration that little is known about the relationship between a mental disorder and a physical one. I believe that if you are mentally ill and weak that you are going to be physically weak and more susceptible to chronic and acute disease and vice versa. Sartorius (2007) takes a different approach by suggesting that mentally ill people do not pay sufficient attention to their bodies, nor do they follow rules of hygiene. In addition he states that people with mental illness are also often forced to live in conditions of poverty, are exposed to violence and abuse, and they may be abusing alcohol or drugs (Sartorius, 2007).
The Psychology Campus (2008) states that psychological stress and physical disorders are thought to be a mind-body problem. They propose that new research has demonstrated that the state of mind influences the body and such diseases as; the common cold and cancer, may result from suffering from a mental disorder. The relationship between stress and physical disorders is extremely noteworthy as the majority of people today experience high levels of stress related to work and family and this can result in a number of psychological problems. Stress has been found to be related to an infinite number of physical disorders including cancer and coronary heart disease. The Psychology Campus (2008) illustrates that psychological stress is characterized by the activity that causes the stress, the person’s reaction to the stress and how someone physically and mentally responds.
In conclusion, the world in which we live has countless environmental elements that may result in mental and physical disorders. The research shows that the connection between both mental and physical disorders is more evident than ever. This gives rise to the current trend of a healthy mind, body, and soul. If we can strive to keep individuals physically and mentally healthy such comorbidity can be reduced and a more contented live can be lived.
Tara P.
References
Sartorius, N. (2007). Physical illness in people with mental disorders. World Psychiatry, 6(1), 3-4. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1805725/
Psychological Stress & Physical Disorders. (2008). Retrieved November 28, 2010 from psychologycampus.com
I to did a blog on people with mental and physical disabilities, and it was so shocking to learn that much much much more people than we think have both disabilities. They do hand in hand. Because the numbers are so high, I agree we needs to strive to keep individuals both physically and mentally healthy. They deserve it. Unfortunately, not enough money is put into the lovely programs that are offered, and therefore people are not always given the equal opportunity to get the adequate help they need. If more funding was put in, then we all could live the new trend: healthy mind, body and soul as best to our capability.
ReplyDeleteAshley R.
SO true-
ReplyDeleteWhen I was working as a disability support worker, I was surprised to find out how many of the agencies clients had physical as well as mental disorders. I think some of the depression though was more caused by being upset regarding the physical issues that necessitated the use of mobility aids. Also there was a lot of people who would just say mean things to the guys I supported, like "how long have you been in a wheelchair?" answer: "all my life" Reply: " THATS HORRIBLE, I could not imagine living like you do." I was so upset when I first heard someone talk like that, and could totally understand how even just prejudice like that could lead to a mental issue as well.
D. Hayward.