Leticia Postrado

The association of medical comorbidity in schizophrenia with poor physical and mental health.

This study determined the prevalence of medical comorbidities in a cohort of persons receiving treatment for schizophrenia and the association of medical comorbidity with physical and mental health status. A total of 719 persons with schizophrenia sampled from a variety of community and treatment settings as part of the schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) participated in a survey interview. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess sociodemographic factors associated with the number of current medical comorbidities and the association of medical comorbidity count with patient ratings of physical health, mental health, symptoms, and quality of life. The majority of patients reported at least one medical problem. Problems with eyesight, teeth, and high blood pressure were most common. A greater number of current medical problems independently contributed to worse perceived physical health status, more severe psychosis and depression, and greater likelihood of a history of a suicide attempt. This study underscores the need to attend to somatic health care for persons with schizophrenia as well as the linkage of physical and mental health status.

Continuity of Care and Client Outcomes in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Program on Chronic Mental Illness

The impact on services and outcomes of the local mental health authorities (LMHAs) developed under the RWJF Program on Chronic Mental Illness (CMI) was evaluated in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo. Two cohorts of clients with CMI discharged from an episode of acute 24-hour care were recruited in each city: the first cohorts were drawn shortly after the demonstration began and the second, two years later. The LMHAs in the three Ohio cities increased case management for the second cohorts at two months, but not at 12 months, after hospital discharge. The second cohorts in Baltimore and Cincinnati experienced lower turnover among case managers during the year after discharge, but there was no significant improvement in client outcomes. Creation of LMHAs may be a necessary, but not sufficient, step toward improving outcomes and should be followed by improvement in the quantity and quality of services.

Outcomes of the peer‐taught 12‐week family‐to‐family education program for severe mental illness

Objective:  Family‐to‐Family Education Program (FFEP) is a 12‐week course for family members of adults with serious mental illness (SMI). This study evaluates the effectiveness of FFEP for several family member outcomes.