Physical comorbidity in psychiatric patients: the opinion of patients and mental health professionals of the Community Psychiatric Service (CPS) of Verona- Sud

OBJECTIVEIn the context of HELPS (European Network for Promoting the Health of Residents in Psychiatric and Social Care Facilities; Contract No.: 2006334, 2008–2010) we carried out focus groups to gather information on how staff members and psychiatric institutions users perceive physical health risk factors, illnesses and symptoms, and prevention possibilities. METHODSWe carried out 4 focus groups with patients and mental health professionals of the Verona-Sud CPS using the following Research Questions: 1: What kind of physical illnesses/somatic symptoms have you experienced/have your patients experienced?2: In your view, what causes or conditions lead to such physical illnesses/somatic symptoms?3: What can be done to improve your/your patients physical health?Transcripts of the findings were analyzed with MaxQDA software.RESULTSHealth problems most often experienced by patients are neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and overweight problems. Psychopathology, personal beliefs, lack of medical care and prevention, diet and medication side effects are among the most common causes. Prevention measures suggested are further medical advice and lifestyle interventions.CONCLUSIONSFocus groups identified behavioural, environmental and iatrogenic risks. Efforts must be directed towards health promotion interventions based on the heterogeneity of mental disorders and physical problems and on beliefs and life conditions of psychiatric facilities users.