People with schizophrenia often exhibit negative health behaviors that adversely affect their health, lifespan, and the people around them. These behaviors include physical inactivity, poor diet and nutrition, substance use (such as cigarettes and coffee), alcohol and street drug abuse, and suicide.

Negative Health Behaviors among People with Schizophrenia

Mental illness is associated with behaviors that carry high health risks, such as smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, poor diet, and a lack of physical exercise.

State University of New York at Buffalo

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Mental and physical health is fundamentally linked and significantly impact people’s quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.  The WHO also states that “there is no health without mental health.”

Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

Research showed that negative psychological states influence antiviral immunity and the immune response to vaccination.

Negative Psychological States and Immunity

Although research has primarily focused on stress and other negative psychological states, there is growing recognition that positive psychological states may also modulate the immune system and neuro-immune interactions.

Positive Psychological States and Immunity

Just as psychological states can influence the immune response, so too can activation of the immune system can influence the brain and behavior. 

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