Mental Illness may Reduce Life Expectancy more than Heavy Smoking

The effects of mental illness can be devastating and even deadly in some cases. A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford highlights the need to push for increased awareness and treatments for these health issues.

Statistics show that nearly one in four individuals in the United Kingdom and the United States suffer from a mental disorder, while about 21 percent of British men and 19 percent of women regularly use nicotine products.

For their study, researchers set out to determine if the health effects of mental illness could be more deadly, in some cases, than smoking. They stressed certain factors, including "mental health problems, substance and alcohol abuse, dementia, autistic spectrum disorders, learning disability and childhood [behavioral] disorders," throughout the participants' lifespans.

Findings showed that for those with bipolar disorder, many saw an average life reduction of nine to 20 years. For those with schizophrenia, on the other hand, it was between 10 and 20 years, while the loss of time due to heavy smoking is typically between eight and 10 years.

"We found that many mental health diagnoses are associated with a drop in life expectancy as great as that associated with smoking 20 or more cigarettes a day," said Dr. Seena Fazel of the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University, via Health Day.

"There are likely to be many reasons for this. High-risk [behaviors] are common in psychiatric patients, especially drug and alcohol abuse, and they are more likely to die by suicide. The stigma surrounding mental health may mean people aren't treated as well for physical health problems when they do see a doctor," Fazel added. 

Resarchers hope that these and future findings can prompt better care and treatments for those suffering from mental health issues. 

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal World Psychiatry.