Mental illness may increase likelihood of visiting the emergency room

Mental illnesses combined with physical conditions make it more likely that a person will visit the emergency department, according to new research. Scientists looked at more than 5 million adults in Quebec and found that in those with mental illness, each additional physical illness meant a higher likelihood of visiting the ED than in those without mental health conditions. For those who were bipolar or had other serious mental disorders and four or more physical conditions, the risk of going to the ED was more than 16%, compared to around 11% for those with no mental health disorders. Given the close tie between mental and physical health, more research to test interventions that could help those with mental illness could also reduce avoidable visits to the emergency department, the authors write.