Premature Death Risk Doubled with Serious Mental Illness: New York Study

Adults with serious mental illness (SMI) living in New York City are dying significantly younger than their peers, according to a new study. The research highlights a stark disparity in life expectancy, with individuals with SMI experiencing more than twice the mortality rate of the general adult population in NYC. This increased mortality is largely driven by preventable causes such as diabetes, heart disease, substance use, and suicide.

Researchers examined data from 2004 to 2018, linking mental health service referrals to the NYC death registry to assess premature mortality among adults with SMI. They found that individuals with SMI lost an average of 147.4 years of potential life per 1,000 people, more than double the 66.8 years lost in the general population.

Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) revealed that the risk of death from specific causes was especially high:

Diabetes: 2.8 times higher mortality risk
Heart disease: 2.7 times higher mortality risk
Substance use and overdose: 4.5 times higher mortality risk
Suicide: 6.7 times higher mortality risk

The findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated physical and behavioral healthcare services. Many individuals with SMI in NYC face multiple chronic health conditions, lower socioeconomic status, and barriers to accessing timely medical care despite being insured and having primary care doctors. Addressing social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and nutrition, will be critical to improving outcomes.

Researchers call for targeted interventions to reduce excess mortality in this vulnerable population. By integrating physical and mental health services and focusing on prevention and early intervention, it may be possible to close the gap in life expectancy and achieve greater health equity.