Patients with mental illness struggle for adequate healthcare

Patients with mental illnesses face unique challenges in the healthcare system, often feeling ignored or misunderstood. Many report that doctors focus on their mental health conditions rather than their physical health issues. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment for serious medical conditions. This issue is known as "diagnostic overshadowing." It affects not only those with mental health diagnoses but also individuals with intellectual disabilities and neurodiverse conditions like autism. The healthcare system tends to overlook their physical health, which can have severe consequences. In Ireland, only 5.6% of the health budget is dedicated to mental health care, which is significantly lower than the 10% recommended by government policies and 12% suggested by the World Health Organization. As a result, many patients do not receive timely physical healthcare, worsening their overall health outcomes. Research shows that people with serious mental illnesses are far more likely to have concurrent physical health problems. They are significantly at risk for diseases like lung and heart issues and have a shorter life expectancy, often dying 10 to 17 years younger than the general population. Emergency room visits among these patients are high, often for preventable complications. Less than 20% of their emergency admissions relate to mental health needs; the rest are for physical health concerns. Improving access to routine and preventive healthcare could ease the burdens on emergency departments and improve patient outcomes. Addressing this issue requires change at multiple levels—from healthcare providers to government policies. The stigma surrounding mental health continues to be a significant barrier to receiving appropriate care. Early intervention and better resource allocation could lead to better health outcomes for individuals with mental health issues.