People with schizophrenia have mortality rate three times higher than general population, ICES study finds

Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) researchers report that people with schizophrenia die at a rate that is three times higher than the general population - and eight years younger. The authors suggest the early death associated with the condition is probably preventable. Their study of deaths in Ontario of those 15 and older reveals:

• People with schizophrenia had higher rates of death for all causes, such as heart disease, cancer, respiratory failure and metabolic disorders, including diabetes;
• When isolating specific causes of death, the mortality rate was often two to four times higher - with the exception of suicide, which was about 10 to 20 times higher; and
• When it came to cardiovascular disease, the general population experienced a reduction over time. By contrast, those with schizophrenia aren't experiencing the same reduction, as they're more likely to smoke and have higher rates of diabetes, which can develop because many new antipsychotic drugs promote weight gain and cholesterol abnormalities.

The authors pointing to a lack of integrated care for people with schizophrenia, as appropriate care may require trips to the family doctor, psychiatrist, specialist, laboratory and pharmacy.

Related News:
People with schizophrenia die younger than general population, study finds - Toronto Star
Schizophrenia linked to threefold increase in death risk - Medical News Today