Research consistently demonstrates that psychotic disorders reduce life expectancy by 10-25 years compared to the general population. This mortality gap stems from multiple interconnected factors beyond suicide risk, including significant physical health complications and healthcare disparities.

Primary Mortality Risk Factors

Several mechanisms contribute to premature mortality in psychotic disorders.

• Cardiometabolic Complications. Antipsychotic medications, sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition create elevated risks for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions represent the leading cause of premature death, directly illustrating how psychosis shorten life expectancy through physical health pathways.
• Suicide and Accident Vulnerability. Approximately 5-10% of individuals with schizophrenia die by suicide, while impaired judgment increases fatal accident risk. These acute dangers substantially contribute to how psychosis shorten life expectancy in younger populations.
• Substance Use Comorbidities. High rates of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use exacerbate physical health conditions while increasing overdose and poisoning risks.

Healthcare System Challenges

Access and quality of medical care significantly influence outcomes.

• Diagnostic Overshadowing. Physical symptoms are often misattributed to mental illness, delaying treatment for serious medical conditions and demonstrating how psychosis shorten life expectancy through systemic bias.
• Fragmented Care Coordination. Disconnected psychiatric and medical services result in unmanaged chronic conditions that progressively damage health.
• Socioeconomic Consequences. Disability, poverty, and homelessness create barriers to preventive care and healthy living conditions.

Protective Factors and Risk Mitigation

Several interventions can moderate this mortality risk.

• Integrated Care Models. Co-locating medical and psychiatric services improves monitoring and management of metabolic parameters.
• Health Literacy Enhancement. Specific programs teaching nutrition, exercise, and self-advocacy skills address modifiable risk factors.
• Supported Employment and Housing. Stable environments with structured support facilitate healthier lifestyle choices and consistent healthcare engagement.

The evidence clearly indicates that psychosis shorten life expectancy through complex biological, psychological, and social pathways. However, comprehensive treatment addressing both mental and physical health can significantly mitigate this risk. Early intervention, continuous monitoring of metabolic parameters, and integrated care models represent essential strategies for reducing premature mortality in this population.