Patients with serious mental illness die, on average, 25 years earlier than persons without mental
illness.9,10 Preventable conditions cause much of this increased medical morbidity and mortality. The
higher rate of modifiable risk factors (eg, smoking, poor nutrition, obesity, lack of physical activity,
substance abuse) in persons with serious mental illness leads to a higher prevalence of
cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory diseases. By reversing unhealthy
behaviors, patients can improve their health status and reduce morbidity and mortality.11
Concern about excess medical morbidity and mortality has raised awareness of the importance of
integrating physical health and wellness into behavioral health care. The Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration launched a national wellness action plan to address this
problem. In recent years, specialized psychoeducational materials have been developed or expanded
that address the physical health and wellness issues of patients with mental illness.1