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.