Physical and Mental Health

Physical and mental health are closely dependent on each other. Having a physical health condition significantly increases the risk of developing a mental health problem, and vice versa. When mental health needs are not addressed adequately the impact of this is felt across the whole health system, from primary to hospital care. Despite this, the institutional architecture of health services, the design of reimbursement systems, and the training and education of professionals, all tend to reinforce structural and cultural barriers between mental and physical health care. Overcoming these barriers should be a major priority for integrated care.