Abstract
Sane Australia is a national charity helping people affected by mental illness through campaigning, education and research
Concern over poor physical health in people with a mental illness has prompted The SANE Guide to Healthy Living, a practical guide aimed at improving health – mind and body. The Guide was developed by SANE Australia, after research showed alarmingly poor physical health among the mentally ill is contributing to significantly higher rates of physical illness, resulting in a death rate 2.5 times higher than the general population (Lawrence Holman & Jablensky, 2001).
The comprehensive study, conducted by the University of Western Australia, gives conclusive proof of the shocking toll of physical illness and premature death that places Australia's mentally ill firmly among the most marginalized in our community. The study confirms research previously carried out by SANE, in association with the University of Melbourne and the McFarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research (Davidson, Judd, Jolley, Hocking & Thompson, 2000).
People with a mental illness were 30 per cent more likely to die of cancer, despite the incidence of the disease being the same as the general population. A person with a mental illness was shown to be three times more likely to contract HIV, while people with affective psychosis experienced rates five times that of the general population. Rates of hospitalization for hepatitis (all forms) were four times the average, with hepatitis C, over five times greater. As well as the higher suicide and cancer death rate, heart and respiratory diseases accounted for much of the higher mortality. After heart disease, mental illness was found to be the most common case of premature death.
Among the major risk factors for the mentally ill were poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking.
While health promotion campaigns have been responsible for improved health in the general community, trends among the mentally ill show the reverse rates are worsening. For example recent figures show the rate of smoking has declined to 21 per cent in the general population, while the rate among people diagnosed with schizophrenia has climbed to about 70 per cent more than three times higher.
The smoking ‘culture’ among the mentally ill is a learned way of dealing with feelings of boredom and stress. Nicotine is thought to alleviate some symptoms of mental illness, such as having an antidepressant effect, presenting unique issues for those who want to reduce or quit. The benefits of quitting, as with most people, include having extra money, improved odour and appearance, a sense of achievement and greatly reduced risk of disease. For a person with a mental illness, reducing or quitting can mean a reduction in medication and the resulting side effects.
Obesity, malnutrition and anemia are all problems associated with poor diet as well as reduced motivation and ability to exercise. The medications used to treat mental illness can cause cravings for sugary and fatty foods that increase weight, resulting in a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease. Some medications cause thirst that, if quenched with soft drinks, can also lead to weight gain. Lack of exercise can make it difficult for people to control weight and lead to worsening of overall health. The benefits of dietary changes and increased exercise can lessen risk of diabetes, heart disease and anemia. Studies have shown that exercise can have an added benefit in reducing feelings of depression. Exercise was shown to be as effective as medication for mild to moderately depressed people.
Sally Higgins, Accredited Practising Dietitian, says, ‘Apart from helping to maintain a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can also help to provide energy, help beat fatigue and tiredness, improve concentration, boost the immune function, protect against diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, and improve self esteem and body image.’ The SANE Guide to Healthy Living was developed to address the unique factors faced by people with a mental illness. It includes advice on ‘realistic’ improvements to diet, increasing exercise, reducing and quitting smoking and other health considerations. The Guide is suitable for people with a mental illness, carers and mental health professionals.
The SANE Guide to Healthy Living costs $9.00 plus postage and handling. To purchase, visit the SANE website (www.sane.org) or call (03) 9682 5933.
SANE Australia … Meeting the challenge of mental illness
38th RANZCP Congress -Hobart, 12-15 May, 2003-
We warmly invite all Fellows and trainees to attend the forthcoming College Congress in Hobart. Many of you will already be making arrangements for activities at Congress and for making a visit to Tasmania that extra bit special with excursions either side of the meeting.
The registration brochure has been circulated and is also available on the web at http://www.ranzcp.org/congress
The brochure contains extensive information about the excellent blend of educational offerings, the social programme, special tours and so forth. Select from the range of eight pre-Congress workshops on Sunday 11th May. Make your short list of must see keynote talks from the list of twelve invited speakers, half from overseas, half from Australia and New Zealand. As well as our three conference keynote speakers, Peter Jones (UK), Marc George (USA) and Manfred Spitzer (Germany), we have arranged invited Strand speakers, many of international prominence in their fields, in conjunction with the Faculties, Sections and Interest Groups of RANZCP and with ANZAPT. These groups have been actively involved in developing Strand programmes highlighting important clinical topics, contemporary issues and ways ahead and will be of broad interest to conference delegates. In addition there are other high quality symposia with high calibre speakers addressing topics from clinical management to health policy. In the tradition of Congress a range of free paper sessions will emphasize many aspects of psychiatry through research findings and scholarly distillations of clinical topics.
Salamanca Market (Photographer – Richard Eastwood)
We aim to stimulate your appreciation of both the Art and Science of psychiatry. This extends beyond the core scientific program into art proper with one parallel session each afternoon on music, visual arts or literature. The mood will be heightened by the performance of the College Choir and Orchestra in the College Ceremony on the Monday evening, with a sing-along number to raise the roof. An entertaining College Dinner on the Wednesday, Section Dinners on Tuesday and musical divertissements during some Congress breaks will round out the cultural side of the meeting. Not to forget the keenest social event, catching up with conversation and gossip with other delegates, which will be assisted by the delightful venue for the meeting, overlooking the fishing boats on Hobart's waterfront and a short harbourside walk from Salamanca Place.
Cradle Mountain
So in the spirit of the theme of the Congress ‘Mutual Interests’ we hope you can join us in Hobart to challenge the intellect, strengthen friendships and refresh the senses.
Enquiries regarding registration, accommodation and such should be directed to the conference secretariat: Australian Convention and Travel Services (ACTS), Acting as agent for RANZCP 38th Congress, GPO Box 2200, CANBERRA ACT 2601, Phone (02) 6257 3299 (Int. +61 2), Fax (02) 6257 3256, Email:
Fellows, trainees or other intending delegates with further enquiries about the educational or social programme are also welcome to contact the Organizing Committee direct through the Convenor of the Scientific Program, Ken Kirkby, by email: