Mental Illness Linked to Shortened Life Spans

http://www.everydayhealth.coms/mental-illness-linked-shortened-life-spans/

Oxford University researchers found that major mental disorders can greatly shorten people’s lives. For example, the average life expectancy was 10 to 20 years shorter than normal for people with schizophrenia, 9 to 20 years shorter for those with bipolar disorder, 7 to 11 years shorter for those with recurrent depression, and 9 to 24 years shorter for people with drug and alcohol abuse.

By contrast, heavy smoking shortens life by an average of 8 to 10 years, the study authors noted.

This study – and many others – underscore the need for people with mental health issues to have access to integrated healthcare, which is a high priority at Northern Lakes CMH.