The typical longevity span for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Research suggests that individuals with schizophrenia typically live around 10-20 years less than those without the condition, though this can vary significantly from person to person.
For instance, a 2015 study indicated that people with schizophrenia are statistically more likely to die annually compared to those without the diagnosis. A 2017 review, meanwhile, revealed that schizophrenia can subtract an average of around 10-15 years from a person's life expectancy.
Schizophrenia was identified as the second top risk factor for dying from COVID-19 in one study, trailing only age. Various factors such as the side effects of schizophrenia medication, a higher risk of substance misuse, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease contribute to a reduced life expectancy for individuals with schizophrenia.
Fortunately, research in 2020 suggested that addressing modifiable risk factors could potentially increase life expectancy by several years for people with schizophrenia.
Further information on life expectancy and schizophrenia is available, covering causes for reduced life expectancy and potential strategies for countering it.
Average life expectancy with schizophrenia
Severe mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, are known to shorten a person's life expectancy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with severe mental illnesses have a reduced life span of approximately 10-15 years less than the general population.
A study found that schizophrenia is associated with an average of 14.5 years of potential life lost per person. The impact was more significant among men, who lost an average of 15.9 years, with a range of 13.8 to 18 years, compared to women, who lost an average of 13.6 years, with a range of 11.4 to 15.8 years. People living in the Asian region of the study lost the fewest years, while those in the African region lost the most. The overall life expectancy was 64.7 years for all individuals, 59.9 years for men, and 67.6 years for women.
A 2020 observational study in the UK reported similar reductions in life expectancy among people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: 14.5 years less for men and 13.2 years less for women on average.
A 2017 study found that the life expectancy of people with schizophrenia is increasing, but overall mortality remains three times higher than the general population.
Why the risk of earlier death is higher for people with schizophrenia
Factors that can elevate the risk of death among people with schizophrenia include:
- Schizophrenia medication: Antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia can potentially increase the risk of certain diseases. According to a 2018 study, individuals in Australia with schizophrenia who took antipsychotic medication were 1.91 times more likely to start diabetes treatment and 1.28 times more likely to start treatment for hyperlipidemia.
- Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the negative health effects of schizophrenia medication, but people with schizophrenia may be more likely to lead sedentary lives, eat unhealthy food, and deal with chronic stress, which can impact their health.
- Substance misuse: Individuals with schizophrenia are at a higher risk of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use, which can harm their health and increase the risk of accidents and overdoses. Death from cardiovascular disease is more common among people with schizophrenia, and drug use is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Infection: A study revealed that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to die from COVID-19 than those with other mental health conditions, such as depression. This could be due to comorbidities, which may result in more severe illness.
- Access to medical care and other supports: People with schizophrenia may require assistance in integrating with society, obtaining employment, or accessing medical care. The challenges involved in securing treatment, healthy food, and safe housing can all impact overall health.
- Accidents and violence: Mental illness can potentially increase a person's risk of violence or experiencing a life-threatening accident.
Can you improve life expectancy with schizophrenia?
A 2020 study suggested that interventions aimed at reducing the risk of dying by managing modifiable risk factors could potentially improve life expectancy by several years for people with schizophrenia. Early intervention was found to be more effective. To improve life expectancy, an individual can consider the following:
- Beginning treatment for schizophrenia as soon as symptoms appear for an improved prognosis.
- Engaging in regular exercise and following a balanced diet to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use.
- Building a relationship with a trusted medical professional to facilitate timely treatment of serious medical conditions.
Steps to manage your schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic illness, and many people with the condition will experience relapses even with treatment. For this reason, it's important to develop a strong relationship with a medical professional and to maintain strong relationships with loved ones who can recognize and alert individuals when their symptoms of schizophrenia appear to be worsening.
Various treatment and management options are available for schizophrenia, such as:
- Medication and therapy with medical professionals
- Support from family and friends
- Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep
- Skills training to improve coping mechanisms and daily living skills
- Psychoeducation to gain a better understanding of schizophrenia and its treatment.
- Medication: Various medications, particularly antipsychotics, can significantly lessen schizophrenia symptoms. Individuals who find these drugs' side effects unbearable should consult their doctor about alternative treatment options rather than forgoing medication altogether. Sometimes, adding a different medicine or adjusting the dosage yields better results.
- Skills development: Rehabilitation and adaptation programs can help individuals with schizophrenia integrate into society and lead purposeful, fulfilling lives.
- Family support: Schizophrenia may strain family dynamics and relationships. Family assistance, such as education and family counseling, may prove beneficial.
- *Psychotherapy*: This can aid a person in developing coping mechanisms, gaining a better understanding of their diagnosis, enhancing communication skills, and identifying signs that their symptoms are worsening.
Prevention
Schizophrenia can have roots in biological, genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Some measures that might reduce the risk include:
Obtaining adequate prenatal care
Substandard nutrition, pregnancy-related infections, and inadequate oxygen supply at birth may increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia later in life.
Abstaining from cannabis
Cannabis usage might heighten the risk of schizophrenia symptoms, like psychosis, and may also play a causative role, some studies suggest. Researchers believe this is mainly due to the compound THC.
Neuroimaging studies illustrate cannabis' detrimental impact on brain development, particularly in adolescent brains.
Recent studies on therapeutic cannabidiol (CBD) use, another cannabis compound, indicate its potential in alleviating schizophrenia's positive symptoms and counteracting THC's harmful effects, meriting further investigation.
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are those that appear after an individual develops this condition.
Minimizing childhood trauma and other adverse childhood events
Children exposed to trauma or maltreatment may have an increased likelihood of developing schizophrenia, especially if they carry a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Seeking early intervention
Early treatment of schizophrenia symptoms can significantly influence the course of the disease.
Summary
The average life expectancy of individuals with schizophrenia is lower than those without the condition. Nevertheless, this does not imply that an individual's life expectancy is necessarily lower. It is still possible to maintain good health and live a normal or even extended life with schizophrenia.
Certain actions may yield substantial improvements. These can include quitting smoking, addressing the side effects of schizophrenia medication, finding a secure living environment, and managing chronic illnesses.
Individuals with schizophrenia should be conscious of the disease's potential life-shortening effects and should discuss strategies for living longer with their doctor.
The effects of schizophrenia reach far beyond the individual, and individuals with the condition may encounter various health limitations. The burden of improving life expectancy cannot solely rest on individuals; they alone cannot bring about the systemic social changes required to enhance care outcomes and healthcare access.
Despite the 10-15 years reduction in life expectancy associated with schizophrenia as stated by the World Health Organization, a 2020 observational study in the UK reported similar reductions in life expectancy among people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
In light of this, addressing modifiable risk factors, such as early treatment, regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding substance misuse, and establishing a relationship with a trusted medical professional, could potentially improve life expectancy for individuals with schizophrenia.
In terms of prevention, measures like obtaining adequate prenatal care, abstaining from cannabis, minimizing childhood trauma, and seeking early intervention can potentially reduce the risk of developing schizophrenia or lessen its impact.
