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Excess mortality of mental disorder
1Mental Health Group, University of Southampton.
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Individuals with mental disorders face a higher risk of premature death from both natural and unnatural causes. This increased mortality risk is particularly pronounced for substance abuse and eating disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Common mental disorders are associated with an elevated risk of premature mortality.
- This risk extends to both natural and unnatural causes of death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the mortality risk associated with various mental disorders.
- To identify specific mental disorders with the highest risk of premature death.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of Medline (1966-1995) identified 152 relevant English-language reports.
- Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for 27 mental disorder categories.
Main Results:
- Substance abuse and eating disorders exhibit the highest risks of premature death from all causes.
- Functional disorders, including schizophrenia and major depression, show a particularly high risk of death from unnatural causes.
- Organic mental disorders, mental retardation, and epilepsy are associated with markedly increased rates of death from natural causes.
Conclusions:
- All mental disorders are linked to an increased risk of premature mortality.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for targeted public health interventions and improved patient care.