Health and Wellness in FEP
Why is Focusing on Physical Health Important in Early Psychosis?
People with schizophrenia have significantly shortened lifespans than the general population due to largely preventable causes such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Much of this risk can be modified by lifestyle interventions focusing on nicotine cessation, increasing exercise, improving nutrition, and managing stress. We see the focus on these health measures as integral to early psychosis treatment and can have a significant impact on quality of life and functioning. There is guidance on monitoring metabolic risk factors, and we should intervene early and consistently with safe and effective lifestyle modification recommendations and guidance.
Integrating physical activity into care plans is vital for brain health, particularly for those experiencing first-episode psychosis. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, mood, and overall mental well-being. Prescribing exercise based on evidence-based guidelines can enhance patient outcomes, and using wearables to track activity levels provides valuable data for monitoring progress and adjusting interventions as needed.
Managing stress is important in recovery and for ongoing maintenance of stability. Mindfulness can be a key strategy for individuals to manage stress.
Quality sleep is vital for brain recovery following an episode of psychosis and can have a significant impact on quality of life. We know that sleep can be disturbed due to mental illness and contribute to relapse risk making a focus on good sleep hygiene even more important. Sleep is also an integral component to the maintenance of good mental health.
Sleep Disturbances in At-Risk Mental States and First Episode Psychosis
Nicotine use in this population remains a concern and contributes to future morbidity and mortality. Nicotine cessation techniques are effective also with patients who utilize mainly non-tobacco products such as vapes including in adolescent populations.
Integrating physical activity into care plans is vital for brain health, particularly for those experiencing first-episode psychosis. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, mood, and overall mental well-being. Prescribing exercise based on evidence-based guidelines can enhance patient outcomes, and using wearables to track activity levels provides valuable data for monitoring progress and adjusting interventions as needed.
Managing stress is important in recovery and for ongoing maintenance of stability. Mindfulness can be a key strategy for individuals to manage stress.
Quality sleep is vital for brain recovery following an episode of psychosis and can have a significant impact on quality of life. We know that sleep can be disturbed due to mental illness and contribute to relapse risk making a focus on good sleep hygiene even more important. Sleep is also an integral component to the maintenance of good mental health.
Sleep Disturbances in At-Risk Mental States and First Episode Psychosis
Nicotine use in this population remains a concern and contributes to future morbidity and mortality. Nicotine cessation techniques are effective also with patients who utilize mainly non-tobacco products such as vapes including in adolescent populations.