Comorbidity of mental and physical disorders

Comorbidity constitutes a major challenge for healthcare professionals and the healthcare system, particularly, comorbidity of psychological and physical disorders. The economic cost of comorbidity to healthcare system and society is potentially substantial. The prevalence of comorbid mental and physical disorders has not only been given inadequate attention but also grossly underestimated. The relationship between physical and psychological comorbidities is complex and the casual relationship established for one physical or mental disorder may not hold good for another disorder.