THE life expectancy gap is widening for Scots who have schizophrenia, according to research by the University of Edinburgh.
Those with schizophrenia died on average 11 years earlier than those without in 2019, compared with a difference of nine years in 2000.
It was also found that no improvements have been made in the life expectancy gap between those with major depression or bipolar disorder and the general population.
Most of the premature deaths were due to natural causes, which researchers say points to the poorer physical health of those with a mental illness.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh analysed two decades of data, from 2000 to 2019, to investigate disparities in life expectancy over time for 118,000 individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression in Scotland.
While people typically enjoyed longer lifespans in 2019 compared to 2000, a significant disparity in life expectancy persists between individuals with mental health conditions and those without.
From 2000 to 2002, men and women with schizophrenia experienced a loss of over 9.4 and 8.2 life years, respectively, when compared to the general population. By 2017 to 2019, this loss had risen to 11.8 and 11.1 years.
Over the same 20-year span, the life expectancy differential for individuals with major depression or bipolar disorder has remained essentially unchanged.
In recent years, those affected by either disorder tend to live approximately seven years less than those without severe mental illnesses.
Several factors, including a higher risk of multiple physical health issues, low socioeconomic status and higher rates of smoking, influence the shorter life span of those with a severe mental illness.
Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach to managing mental and physical health can enhance care and outcomes.
The study excludes data from 2020 to 2024, including the pandemic period.
Nevertheless, researchers caution that increased reports of COVID-19 mortality among individuals with severe mental illnesses indicate that the life expectancy gap may have expanded in recent years.
Kelly Fleetwood, statistician from the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute, said: “It’s now well established that people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression have a lower life expectancy than people without such illnesses.
“What’s most disappointing about our findings is the lack of progress in closing this gap over the last 20 years, and a possible widening of the gap for people with schizophrenia.
“Addressing this entrenched disparity requires equitable social and health policies to prevent and treat poor physical health amongst people with mental illness.”
