Serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are over-represented among homeless people. When symptoms are not effectively managed, individuals are at a higher risk of hospitalization, arrest, victimization and even suicide.
SFU health sciences researcher Stefanie Rezansoff has published a new study on the treatment of serious mental illnesses among people who are homeless. This is the first study to investigate adherence to antipsychotic medication in this population.
Are Medicaid Policies Sentencing Individuals With Mental Illnesses to Prison?
At the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, researchers have linked tighter Medicaid policies governing antipsychotic drugs with increased incarceration rates for schizophrenic individuals.
Advertisement
‘Despite having full drug coverage and high access to pharmacies, homelessness has been linked to poor antipsychotic medication adherence.’
Tweet it Now
She found only 12% of the 290 individuals studied were adherent to their medications at the level needed to be effective. This is despite having full drug coverage and high access to pharmacies.
"Treatment protocols recommend that patients receive these medications continuously once they're initiated, but this can be difficult to ensure when people are precariously housed," says Rezansoff. "There's a strong link between low adherence and long-term homelessness."
![Johns Hopkins to Use Twitter to Gather Information on Common Mental Illnesses]( "Johns Hopkins to Use Twitter to Gather Information on Common Mental Illnesses")
Computers scientists at Johns Hopkins have used Twitter posts to track flu cases and are saying that their techniques may be used to gather important information about some common mental illnesses.
The research team is currently investigating interventions to improve adherence to antipsychotic medications. Possible interventions include supported housing, prescribing long-acting injections, and initiating regular and frequent contact between patients and primary healthcare providers.
Source: Eurekalert
Johns Hopkins to Use Twitter to Gather Information on Common Mental Illnesses
Computers scientists at Johns Hopkins have used Twitter posts to track flu cases and are saying that their techniques may be used to gather important information about some common mental illnesses.
Advertisement
The research team is currently investigating interventions to improve adherence to antipsychotic medications. Possible interventions include supported housing, prescribing long-acting injections, and initiating regular and frequent contact between patients and primary healthcare providers.
Source: Eurekalert
Karunya Scheme Extended to Cover Mental Illnesses as Well
Kerala Finance Minister K M Mani announced that the state government's Karunya Benevolent Fund Scheme will be extended to cover mental illnesses.
Advertisement
 Common Mental Illnesses Not Finding Adequate Familial SupportLos Angeles, CA (April 9, 2012) Does the growing number of psychiatric disorder diagnoses have an effect on people with mental illnesses? According to a new study, as definitions of | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Mental Health News
Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) Beware! Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea may put you at a higher risk of cognitive decline.
Targeting changes mediated by immune cells in the gut could shed insights into new ways to treat mental health disorders such as depression.
Is there a link between oral health and mental health? Yes, people with mental illness usually have poorer oral health compared to the general population.
Resilience and well-being in difficult, stressful, or pandemic times was developed through online program.
Does mental fatigue affect exercise performance? Mental fatigue has a negative effect on technical and decision-making skills in physical performance.