Severe mental illness linked to markedly higher premature death from physical diseases

Analysis of NHS records by the charity Rethink Mental Illness shows that adults under 75 with severe mental health problems are far more likely to die early from physical illnesses. Compared with the broader population, they have roughly six-fold higher odds of dying from liver disease, six-fold higher odds from respiratory disease, nearly four-fold higher odds from cardiovascular disease and more than double the risk from cancer.

Their overall probability of dying before age 75 is about 4.8 times that of other adults, and they are 14.6 times more likely to die by suicide. The report attributes these disparities to socioeconomic deprivation, inadequate housing, higher smoking prevalence, weight gain linked to medication, low physical activity and disjointed health services. It calls for integrated physical health checks and tailored interventions to close the gap.