Serious mental illness shortens lives

People suffering serious mental illness can expect to live up to 18 years less than the national average, according to the latest research from King's Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) for Mental Health. The research is the first to examine life expectancy for people with specific mental illnesses in the UK and shows that women with schizoaffective disorder and men with schizophrenia are among those most affected, with a reduced life expectancy of 17.5 years and 14.6 years respectively. Published in the journal PLoS One , the study looked at people suffering bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia and people treated for substance misuse. The findings demonstrate the need for more assertive interventions and regular physical health assessments to prevent premature death among these vulnerable groups. Premature mortality among people with mental disorders most likely arises from a combination of factors including social disadvantage, long-term antipsychotic drug use and higher-risk lifestyles. For example, people with serious mental health conditions tend to look after themselves less well and are less likely to make the lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, eating well and exercising, considered necessary to stay fit and healthy. Lead author and BRC researcher Dr Robert Stewart said, 'These results show the enormous impact mental health conditions can have on general health and survival.