Research Indicates Shorter Lifespans for Those with Severe Mental Illness

A study conducted by researchers at The University of Queensland has found that individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and substance use disorders, are dying more than a decade earlier than the general population. Despite a slight improvement in mortality rates over the past 14 years, significant health inequalities persist.

Lead author Dr. Mike Trott, affiliated with the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, analyzed hospital data from Queensland to examine mortality rates among around 255,000 patients with severe mental health issues. The findings, published in Lancet Regional Health—Western Pacific, reveal that while life expectancy for these patients is gradually increasing, those suffering from psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are not seeing similar benefits.

"The mortality gap is improving, and individuals with severe mental illnesses are living longer than they were 14 years ago, indicating positive trends in the healthcare system," Trott said. "However, the mortality rate for patients with psychoses has remained stagnant, which is concerning and suggests that the most vulnerable individuals are not gaining the advantages of improved care."

The study indicates that males with mental health disorders die, on average, 12 years earlier than their peers, while females lose 10 years of life. It highlights that patients are also dying from preventable physical health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.

Trott noted that the complexities of care for these patients, such as the side effects of medications leading to weight gain and decreased physical activity, are contributing factors to their poorer physical health. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing both physical and mental health care for this population to help reduce the life expectancy gap, particularly for those with psychotic disorders.

This research was undertaken in collaboration with the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services.