The Physical Health of Individuals Receiving Antipsychotic Medication: A Qualitative Inquiry on Experiences and Needs

ABSTRACT

Individuals with a mental illness are reported to have a reduced life expectancy and a greater risk of being affected by preventable physical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. This inquiry sought to identify the physical health beliefs, experiences and needs of individuals with mental health problems in receipt of antipsychotic medication who live in the community. A qualitative inquiry was undertaken using three focus groups in a community mental health service in Ireland with 21 participants with mental health problems who were treated with antipsychotic medication. The participants were clear about the importance of good physical health as well as good mental health. They disliked the adverse effects of antipsychotic medication and experienced many barriers in accessing general practitioners/primary care services. They also preferred to receive health advice and self-management advice from the mental health services. The participants in this study were aware of the need to engage in health protective behaviours but were often overwhelmed by their comorbid health issues and the organizational and communication barriers in accessing their general practitioners.

Acknowledgements

The authors are most grateful to the participants who took part in this study.

Authors' contributions and conflict of interest

The first named author engaged in collecting data and in the transcription of the data. Both authors undertook the analysis process and reviewed themes and compared them with the raw data. Both were responsible for writing up the article. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.