What is the life expectancy for someone with schizophrenia.?

I have been told its possible they might die earlier, why would this be?

Yes, I am serious.

Psychiatric comorbidities include substance abuse, especially smoking, and mood disorders, particularly depression. Medical conditions that co-occur with schizophrenia include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (which is linked to smoking to a very significant extent), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infection. One of the things to keep in mind is that patients with schizophrenia often have these conditions but they are not diagnosed. And even if they're diagnosed, they're not treated. And even when they're treated, they are not adequately treated.

One thinks of schizophrenia as a disabling illness, but it's also a disease that kills. The age-standardized mortality of schizophrenia is about twice that of the general population. One way to think about this is to imagine I have an identical twin. I have schizophrenia. My identical twin does not have schizophrenia. Then at the end of 10 years, I'm twice as likely to be dead as my twin regardless of how old we are. A significant mortality is associated with schizophrenia.

Another way to think about this is that the average life span of persons with schizophrenia is about 57 to 59 years. By contrast, the average life span for the general population is about 78 to 81 years. So there is a shortening of 20-plus years in the lives of individuals affected with schizophrenia, partly due to comorbidities.

I don't see where it makes any difference. I know one person who is in his 50 & now doing very well & I know someone in her 70's who I didn't even know had a history of mental illness until her sister told me a few months ago. So of course there are some risks as but I can't see where it would make life expectancy any different from any one who doesn't have a mental illness. This is a way people expresss themselves but so is cancer or diabetes or anything else. I just see people I know who have problems & focus on them being at peace & well & it seems to work.....sometimes family members have more stress than the person going the dis-ease. If you can't get the statistics you can call a huge library & see if they can come up with any research done on this.

The main reason they die earlier is the possibility of suicide is much greater then someone without schizophrenia..Then, of course, those out on the streets that are not treated also could die early because of the way they live. I think we all have seen schizophrenics talking to themselves out on the streets(homeless).

Suicide or unhealthy lifestyle such as drinking to help fix their problem.

Also more likely to take risks due to mental health issues?

But in reality if someone gets the support they need then their lifespan should not be effected.

The life expectancy for people with mental illness including schizophrenia is often lower because mental illness can have a negative effect on things like self care, hygiene, proper diet and sleep routines and also increases risks for suicide.

My Grandad had schizophrenia and lived till he was 99 years old.He died a few months before his 100th birthday.He spent most of his adult life in hospital because he was a danger to himself and others.

They might die earlier because they often commit suicide (more often than non-schizos, I mean). Other than that, I'm sure that the life expectancy is the same as for non schizos.

seriously? hm, i kind of doubt that but ok. it's an interesting topic. i'm sorry i can't help i do like the topic. thanx for sharing.

Its the same as anybody else.


stress doesn't kill you its makes you sometimes want to die.In less you commit suicide.

If they stay on their meds they should be fine but off the meds, schizophrenia can be a stressful disease and stress can lead to early death.

75, 82, 86 and 93.

Sorry had to say it

stress

stress or mal nutrition i think