Ronald Bradley
Central Michigan University, USA
Title: Psychiatric medical home model; Medical, substance use disorders and mental health cost savings
Biography
Biography: Ronald Bradley
Abstract
People with severe mental illness (SMI) die from the same chronic medical conditions as those in the general population (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pulmonary disease). However, these diseases are more common in people with SMI leading to death 25 years earlier than the general population. The modifiable health risk factors that contribute to these diseases smoking, obesity, hypertension, metabolic disorder, substance use, low physical activity, poor fitness and diet are also more common and have an earlier onset in people with SMI. Side effects of psychiatric medications, which may include weight gain and metabolic disorders, add to these health risks. The risk to African Americans with SMI is even greater due to existing racial health disparities.