What is Severe and Persistent Mental Illness?

This video describes Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (Serious Mental Illness). The definition of Severe and Persistent Mental Illness varies, however, generally for an individual to qualify for this category they would have to be 18 years or older, have at least one diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), and have severe limitations on functioning. Some DSM diagnoses are excluded from Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, including Substance Use Disorders, Developmental Disorders, Dementia, and Mental Health Disorder caused by a general medical condition. Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder are overrepresented in Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. Severe and Persistent Mental Illness is a sub-category of Mental Illness. In a given year, 20 – 25% of Americans will experience a Mental Health Disorder. For Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, the percentage drops to about 4%. Severe and Persistent Mental Illness affects females (5%) more than males (4%). The life expectancy for any given individual in the United States is 77 years. The average life expectancy for those with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness is 52 years. Many individuals with a Severe and Persistent Mental Illness have a comorbid substance use disorder. Obesity, poor nutrition, trauma, and lack of access to healthcare disproportionately affect those with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. Risk factors associated with higher mortality include disorganized thinking, reality testing, paranoia, impulsivity, and difficulty communicating.

[tsbcmhc]

I found it very interesting that in order to be diagnosed with a “severe” mental illness, one must be 18 years or older. Thank you!

[tsbcmhc]

I was shocked to hear that there is a 25 year life expectancy difference between people that have persistent mental illness vs. those that do not. I was also unaware that you have to be an adult to get diagnosed with persistent mental illness.

[virginiamurrey]

I enjoyed this video because at times many people would just think of mental illness as simply that. However, pointing out that there are different levels and definitions to mental illness, it brings more clarity to the field.

[angelinastanton]

This video helped me to understand how severe and persistent mental illness is a subcategory of a certain mental illness. I don't understand why disorders having a medical underlying condition are excluded from being severe or chronic, and I disagree with this. It is amazing how having a severe/persistent disorder can take 25 years off of your life expectancy, not including suicide and substance use. This really backs up the fact that your mental well being and stress levels are important for your overall health.

[jillbeck]

As clinicians this is the population that present extreme challenges. It is difficult to see a person continually struggle, especially when observing remission and recurrence cycles. The statistic that only 4% of the population fit in this category lends optimism for those in the field.The fact that 50% of people in this category are obese is interesting.

[veronicabetz]

Thank you for the detailed clarification of the term Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. This information is very interesting and will require on-going studying in order to get an in-depth understanding of the various disorders in the
DSM.

[rejaneoliveira]

Outstanding, I love the statistics that you presented in this video!

[johnharrisjr]

Severe and Persistent Mental Illness are chronic conditions. With treatment quality of life can be improved. It didn't surprise me that Dr. Grande said that people with severe and persistent mental illness are 3 to 5 times likely to abuse substances

[andreanichols]

The most surprising fact I learned here was the life expectancy. Still a very informative video that presents the information clearly.

[Heresheis]

Coke, burger and potato chips ( 6-8 years) to irreversible damage

Sushi, instant noodles and bubba tea (3 years)

Vulnerable to mood swings, depression, compulsive thinking, heavy addictions

[wandamixon]

This summary is helpful in gaining an awareness of disorders typically considered within this category. The classification of Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, its prevalence and the modifiable factors associated with the disorder is not surprising. However, the life expectancy associated with category is sobering.

[adambrowne]

I found it interesting to learn that there are certain disorders that can and others that cannot be categorized as severe and persistent mental health disorders. For example, dementia and substance use disorders cannot be categorized as this but schizophrenia and bipolar depression can be. Also I found it startling to hear that between 20-25% of the US population will suffer from a mental health disorder in a given year. To me this number seems extremely high.

[suzgen]

The video clearly distinguishes between mental illness and severe mental illness. It is disheartening to learn however understandable that the other factors are prevalent with severe mental illness such as obesity, lack of medical and mental care and unsafe practices.

[gogogravity]

I am designated SMI diagnosed with 6 mental disorders. Totally sucks.

[kikixiong]

As it was said in the video that treatment is effective as it improves the life of the client, it made sense to me to link that to the risk factors. Many of the risk factors mentioned earlier in the video were external. If the treatment can help client with the factors that might play in parts of the client’s situation, the treatment would more likely to be improved. However, the problem is how we can provide the treatment in the first place when many of these clients don’t have access to it. Moreover, I would like to know how related the relationships among the disorder, trauma, and life expectancy are.

[kelly]

I notice that in a number of areas that are varying degrees of what one considers one thing and another considers the same thing. It is understood that there are different thought processes to how conclusions are made based on one's own thoughts and research, but I feel that this field would be best suited if there was a common consensus. Especially with this subject, if an illness is going to be categorized as severe or not there should only be one set of criteria. If someone thinks that the age should be 18 while another feels it should be 16 regarding who qualifies for example, arguments for and against should be posed and weighed and then a solitary answer should be received. Also in understanding that not everything is cut and dry, I believe guidelines and definitions should be the same across the board.

[jackiesorrells]

The presence of persistent mental health issues is problematic for our communities. It further substantiates the need for well trained mental health practitioners.

[JoeDirt-elfr]

I would say someone who is mentally ill would be likely to be obese as well as abusing substances. They all go hand in hand and are ways to cope with stress.

[beaversteve]

So im guessing you made a class watch this video and comment what they learned?

[WeddingPartyinCranston]

I ARGUE THAT THE SICKER YOU ARE THE MORE INTELLIGENT YOU ARE. IS THAT A GOOD THEORY OR NO???? IF GOD BRINGS YOU INTO THIS WORLD WITH AN ABNORMAL BRAIN THAN WOULDNT HE FEEL BAD AND TO MAKE UP FOR IT GIVE YOU AN ABNORMALLY HIGH