Question: In adults with severe mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression) how effective is physical health monitoring when compared to treatment as usual in improving physical health?

Answer:

We could find no high-quality evidence to support the use of physical healthcare monitoring in people with severe mental illness. One recently published, well conducted systematic review found no high quality randomised controlled trial evidence. The review states "current monitoring is mainly based on the agreement of experts, medical experience and good intentions. This does not mean that physical health monitoring is invalid, wrong or not of benefit to the physical health of people with severe mental illness, only that there is as yet no definite proof. Physical health care monitoring has the potential and promise to improve quality of life and help people with mental health problems live longer, but at this stage the information is uncertain and the research evidence unclear." (Tosh 2014 p.2)