It has been reported that mentally ill patients, or patients who have a history of mental health illnesses, are not being provided with adequate care by physicians and doctors. It has been reported that in some cases, doctors have asked patients not to expect much from their life as they have mental health issues.

A report compiled by the Mental Health Council highlights that patients with schizophrenia, personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression are not being provided with quality care. It has also come to light that the attitude of doctors changes immediately when they come across patients with a history of mental illness.

The report was compiled after surveying 400 patients and 200 carers. It seems like health authorities are already aware of the problems being faced by mentally ill patients as the President of Australian Medical Association, Steve Hambleton said, “It's a small number of people and it's a voluntary survey, so you will get the extreme views but some of those views have revealed a problem that we need to respond to”.

Acknowledging the findings of the survey, the Mental Health Council is now looking forward to surveying health workers and professionals to gauge whether or not a special training would be helpful in overcoming the problems being faced by patients.

Mental health issues are grave issues which should not be neglected by medical professionals at any cost. Negligence by medical professionals can have serious implications on the condition of the patients.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health has recently received a grant of $850,000 for three years. The grant has been given by the Duke Endowment with the aim of improving mental health of patients.