Dr Stephen McWilliams of St John of God says patients with mental illness have a more challenging time navigating the healthcare system.
People with mental illness face challenges in healthcare, often experiencing "diagnostic overshadowing" where physical symptoms are attributed to their psychiatric condition. This contributes to poorer physical healthcare outcomes and premature mortality, despite the high prevalence of co-occurring physical conditions. Funding for mental health in Ireland is inadequate, and a significant disparity exists in access to timely and effective physical healthcare for individuals with mental illness.
