Determining the risk of non-communicable diseases amongst the mentally ill patients attending psychiatric out-patient clinic at the federal neuropsychiatric hospital Kware Sokoto in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: People with mental illness (PMI) are likely to die of chronic diseases, primarily cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases at a younger age compared with the general population. The side-effects of psychotropic medications particularly weight gain and impaired glucose intolerance increase the risk of premature mortality in PMI. Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as physical inactivity and unhealthy diet (diets high in fat and low in fruit and vegetables) are also thought to be consequences of negative symptoms of mental illness and emotional dysregulation.