Preventing obesity and poor physical health through assessment and ongoing monitoring

Dr Susanne Stanley aims to highlight the poor physical health of the mentally ill, paying particular attention to the high incidence of obesity, which can lead to complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Whilst obesity is of great concern in the general population, people with a mental illness face additional factors. For example, psychotropic medication effects such as weight gain can lead to obesity in the mentally ill, highlighting the need for vigilance with physical health examination and ongoing monitoring.

The Clinical Guidelines for the Physical Care of Mental Health Consumers: Assessment and Monitoring Package will be outlined, assisting clinicians in the overall care of their patients through the direction of evidence-based procedures and tools to prevent poor physical health, and aide in the recovery process for all mental health patients.

Dr Susanne Stanley, Senior Research Officer, The University of Western Australia will present at the:

13th International Mental Health Conference, "Positive Change -- Investing in Mental Health"  6th to the 8th of August 2012, on the Gold Coast. 

Web: http://anzmh.asn.au/conference Email: conference@anzmh.asn.au