Dr Brenda Reiss-Brennan on Addressing Mental Wellbeing While Caring for Chronic Diseases

As the rate of chronic diseases has increased, so has interest in treating mental health issues, Brenda Reiss-Brennan, PhD, mental health integration director at Intermountain Healthcare, said at the US News Hospital of Tomorrow conference.

One of the most common comorbidities is depression, and it isn’t possible to manage chronic diseases without addressing a barrier like mental health issues.

“So as we’ve gotten better at communicating with patients and families as what’s getting in the way of you managing your diabetes or managing your health and wellness, it’s become more evident that these social and mental health issues have to be addressed,” she said.