Poor physical health scores may serve as a more evident indicator of mental illness than changes observed on brain scans, according to a recent study conducted by Australian researchers. The analysis, involving over 175,000 individuals, found that those diagnosed with a mental illness exhibited significantly worse physical health across multiple body systems compared to their healthy counterparts. While it is well-established that mental illness is associated with chronic physical conditions such as obesity and diabetes, the study shed light on the impact of severe mental health disorders on other aspects of physical health, including lung function, liver dysfunction, and bone loss.
The research team compiled data from MRI brain scans and health assessments of various study groups to evaluate brain health and the function of seven body systems. Surprisingly, the study revealed that physical health measures, including liver and kidney function, immune system response, and metabolism, consistently indicated poorer health among individuals with mental illness than brain imaging scores. In fact, these physical health measures proved to be better predictors of a mental health diagnosis than brain imaging results.
The association between poor physical health and mental illness can be attributed to various factors, including side effects of medication, disparities in healthcare access, chronic stress, increased susceptibility to infections, and heightened immune responses. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing physical health alongside mental health in the management of individuals with mental health conditions. While the study's focus was on individuals with established diagnoses, it does not provide insights into whether these physical health indicators would hold true before the onset of a disorder.
The researchers emphasize that their findings are not intended for diagnostic purposes but rather to enhance understanding among psychiatrists regarding the impact of mental illness on different aspects of physical health. Recognizing the significant effects of mental health disorders on bodily health can help guide comprehensive treatment strategies that prioritize both mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, the study suggests that ongoing treatment for poor physical health and function may be crucial for individuals with mental health conditions, even if such issues have not been previously diagnosed.