University of Queensland research finds people with severe mental illness die 10 years earlier

A University of Queensland study reveals that people with severe mental illness die over 10 years earlier than the general population, with males dying 12 years earlier and females 10 years earlier. While overall life expectancy for mental health patients has improved over 14 years, the mortality rate for those with psychoses like schizophrenia has flatlined. Researchers identify preventable physical illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, as the primary driver of this mortality gap.

Mental illness mortality gap

• ▪The University of Queensland study found that males with mental health disorders die 12 years earlier than the general population, while females die 10 years earlier.
• ▪Lead author Dr. Mike Trott stated that although the mortality gap is improving and people with severe mental illnesses are living longer than 14 years ago, health inequality remains prevalent.
• ▪A study led by The University of Queensland found that people with severe mental illness die more than 10 years earlier than the general population.

Physical health as mortality driver

• ▪The University of Queensland study identified physical illness, such as preventable cardiovascular disease, as the principal driver of excess mortality in patients with severe mental illness.
• ▪Medication side effects such as weight gain and reduced physical activity contribute to poorer physical health in patients with severe mental illness, according to lead author Dr. Mike Trott.

Queensland hospital data analysis

• ▪The University of Queensland conducted the study in collaboration with the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services.
• ▪The study, published in Lancet Regional Health—Western Pacific, represents the first time Australian hospital mortality data for mental health patients has been examined in two decades.
• ▪The University of Queensland study found that the mortality rate for patients with psychoses, such as schizophrenia, has flatlined over the 14-year tracking period.