Adults with severe mental illness die 15 to 20 years earlier than the general population, largely due to preventable physical diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease, according to new research by the charity Rethink Mental Illness. The analysis of NHS data reveals that people with serious mental health problems are nearly five times more likely to die before the age of 75 compared to their peers.
Stark Health Inequalities for Severe Mental Illness
The research highlights that adults under 75 with serious mental ill health – defined as those referred to specialist secondary mental health services – face significantly elevated risks for a range of physical conditions. They are 6.3 times more likely to die from liver disease, 6 times more likely from respiratory illness, 3.8 times more likely from cardiovascular disease, and 2.3 times more likely from cancer compared to those not referred to such services.
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Overall, they are 4.8 times more likely to die before the age of 75 than the general population. The charity also found that they are 14.6 times as likely to die due to suicide.
Working-Age Adults Hit Hardest
For working-age adults living with mental illness, deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer are at their highest levels since records began, with more than 24,000 deaths each in the 2022-2024 reporting period. Cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and respiratory disease accounted for more than half (56.5%) of all deaths among 18 to 74 year olds with severe mental illness.
These findings underscore a critical and often overlooked aspect of mental health care: the physical health of individuals with severe mental illness is frequently neglected, leading to premature mortality.
Key Takeaways
- Adults with severe mental illness die 15-20 years earlier than the general population.
- They are nearly 5 times more likely to die before age 75 from preventable physical diseases.
- Deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer are at record highs for working-age adults with mental illness.
- More than half of deaths in this group are due to cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and respiratory illness.
Comparison of Mortality Risks
| Cause of Death | Increased Risk (vs. general population) |
|---|---|
| Suicide | 14.6 times |
| Liver disease | 6.3 times |
| Respiratory illness | 6 times |
| Cardiovascular disease | 3.8 times |
| Cancer | 2.3 times |
| All causes (under 75) | 4.8 times |
Addressing the Physical Health of People with Severe Mental Illness
The charity calls for urgent action to address these health inequalities. Integrated care that addresses both mental and physical health is essential. Regular health checks, improved access to preventive care, and better coordination between mental health and primary care services can help reduce these premature deaths.
It is crucial that healthcare providers, policymakers, and society as a whole recognise the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness and take steps to ensure they receive equitable care.
FAQ
Why do people with severe mental illness die earlier?
People with severe mental illness often face barriers to accessing physical healthcare, receive less preventive care, and may have lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Additionally, some psychiatric medications can increase the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
What are the most common causes of death for people with severe mental illness?
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease, and respiratory disease are the leading causes, accounting for over half of deaths in this group. Suicide is also a major factor, with a 14.6 times higher risk.
What can be done to reduce these health inequalities?
Improving integration between mental and physical health services, ensuring regular health checks, and providing support for healthy lifestyles are key. Policy changes to prioritise the physical health of people with severe mental illness are also needed.
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