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. 2018 Jun:196:9-13.
doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.09.005. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

A widening longevity gap between people with schizophrenia and general population: A literature review and call for action

Ellen E Lee  1 , Jinyuan Liu  2 , Xin Tu  3 , Barton W Palmer  4 , Lisa T Eyler  4 , Dilip V Jeste  5
Affiliations

A widening longevity gap between people with schizophrenia and general population: A literature review and call for action

Ellen E Lee et al. Schizophr Res. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Individuals with schizophrenia have higher mortality rates than the population at large. General mortality rates have declined in developed countries since the early 1970s, extending average lifespan by nearly a decade. This review of eight longitudinal studies of mortality in schizophrenia found that the mean standardized mortality ratio (SMR, a measure of mortality rate in schizophrenia compared to the general population) increased 37%, from 2.2 in the pre-1970s studies to 3.0 in the post-1970s reports. Major changes in societal stigma, healthcare, and economic policy are urgently warranted to ensure that this vulnerable segment of the population participates in the longevity revolution.

Keywords: Heart disease; Mortality; Obesity; Psychotic disorders; Schizophrenia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no relevant conflicts of interest.

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