Experts call for specific training of doctors and pediatricians on the physical health of people with mental illness.

-psychiatrist Miguel Ruiz Flores claimed the full implementation of the protocols on care of people with mental illness in primary care and Pediatrics

-APFEM, Irene Escandell, President considers that it must be a proper referral to mental health services to not delay the diagnosis

Ibiza, November 2009- doctors and representatives of persons with mental illness and family members who have participated in Ibiza in the day health physical and Mental health, a comprehensive perspective ”, have coincided in the need for specific training of doctors in primary care, Pediatrics and emergencyon characteristics specific for patients with psychiatric pathology, and the development of programs, including the special risk of physical pathologies involving persons with mental illness are exposed.

The seminar, organized by the Pitiusa Association of relatives of people with Mental illness and children with autism and other disorders of development (APFEM) and the FEAFES Confederation, with the collaboration of the biomedical company Pfizer, pointed out also the need for greater attention from doctors in primary care and paediatrics compliance with treatment, not only in the pharmacological field, but in all other aspects.

So said José Reaper Parra, the Ib-Salut’s primary care physician, who pointed out that and they have not developed specific programmes for the detection of functional diseases in people with mental illness, achacamos many times to somatizaciones their physical ailments ”.

Are sometimes too directed – acknowledged the Reaper Dr. Parra – patients with mental illness only have mental illness and the reality is that many physical diseases suffer from more ”.

In the same vein delivered Ib Salut Miguel Ruiz Flores psychiatrist to say that the training they require both primary care physicians and paediatricians and those of emergency would be which is also valued the organic part ”. Forget that people diagnosed with a mental disorder have a body, and therefore physical diseases ”, hue.

Psychiatrist pointed out the need for the adopted protocols thereto to monitor the physical health of people with mental illness develop in full, because so far not so ”.

Silvia Martínez Rueda, partner of APFEM and person with a mental illness, requested therefore to ensure that the comprehensive approach to their health, greater attention and awareness by various medical equipment.

To Silvia Martínez, who blamed bad habits and the consequences of mental illness the poor physical health, said that the poor state of physical health discourages people with mental illness, because it hampers the treatment, recovery and, ultimately, their quality of life ”.

For his part, Ib Salut Joan Garcia Serra pediatrician said that among younger patients is essential to the collaboration of the family and the coordinated work of prevention which is intended to establish healthy living habits as much as possible ”.

Dr. García Serra also stressed the importance of receiving specific training to provide pediatricians to face consultations of children and adolescents with special needs ”.

The President of APFEM, Irene Escandell Manchon, expressed concern because a good referral to mental health services be made from primary care and paediatrics.

In his opinion, although there is an increasing effort in research and drugs, still need to improve diagnoses and from the early stages of the health make correct referrals to specialized services to promote a better evolution of mental diseasesOnce detected ”.

The psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Juan Larbán Vera, Adviser to APFEM and moderator of the day, concluded by congratulating WIPO on this excellent initiative ” and emphasized various aspects and the need for training of all stages of health, an awareness campaign, even between affected and familyon the importance of physical health and optimal coordination between primary care and specialized care.

This day is based on the fact that the life expectancy of people with mental illness is shortened by his physical health problems, and not so much by potential consequences related to mental health. Diabetes, smoking, or metabolic syndrome are some of the risk factors sharpened in people with mental illness. This is joined other aggravating circumstances such as the difficulty to meet the treatment and the lack of coordination in the current health and social system.

APFEM-Ibiza

The Association Pitiusa of relatives of people with Mental illness and children with autism and other disorders of development, APFEM, is a non-profit organisation founded in 1995 and has as its mission, improve the quality of life of persons with mental illness and their families defend their rights and represent the associative movement.

FEAFES

The Spanish Confederation of groups of family members and persons with Mental illness (FEAFES) is a body without spirit of profit and social interest which brings together since 1983 to 219 entities, and which represents more than 41,000 people with mental illness and their families throughout the national territory.

Pfizer, working together for a world more sanoTM ”

Founded in 1849, Pfizer is the largest biomedical company that encourages new initiatives to promote health. At Pfizer, we discover, develop and make available patient and professional health medications effective, safe and quality, to treat and help prevent diseases, of persons and animals. Also, we work with professionals and health authorities to ensure access to our medicines and to provide better health care and support to health systems. At Pfizer, all partners work every day to help people to live a healthier life and to enjoy better quality of life.