Research with routinely collected health data has shown that people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have higher rates of serious physical health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, like heart attacks and strokes.
To reduce these risks, the NHS recommends yearly health checks for people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or similar conditions. These are intended to pick up on early signs that someone may be at risk of developing a serious physical health problem, and take early action to stop it from getting worse.
For more information:
- A research article showing that people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have higher rates of cardiovascular diseases: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/482163
- Information on the NHS website about annual health checks for people with severe mental health conditions: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/social-care-and-your-rights/annual-health-check-smi/
- Information from Rethink Mental Illness about annual health checks: https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/living-with-mental-illness/mental-wellbeing-and-physical-health/severe-mental-illness-and-physical-health-checks/
