People with psychosis—especially when part of a chronic condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder—often have a reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. On average, studies show they may live 10 to 20 years less.

Why Life Expectancy Is Lower

This gap isn’t due to psychosis itself, but to a combination of physical, social, and healthcare-related factors:

• Physical health conditions: Higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and stroke—often linked to medication side effects, smoking, poor diet, or inactivity.
• Barriers to healthcare: People with psychosis may delay or avoid medical care due to stigma, communication challenges, or lack of access.
• Higher risk of suicide: About 5–10% of people with schizophrenia die by suicide—significantly higher than the general population.
• Substance use: Co-occurring drug or alcohol use can worsen both mental and physical health.
• Social determinants: Poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and social isolation further increase health risks.

Hope Through Early Intervention and Integrated Care

The good news? Life expectancy improves dramatically with early treatment, coordinated care, and attention to physical health. Programs that combine psychiatric support with primary care—like regular check-ups, smoking cessation, and exercise—can significantly close the gap.

Many people with psychosis live long, meaningful lives when they receive consistent, compassionate, and holistic support.

While psychosis can impact longevity, it doesn’t have to define a person’s future. With the right care, both quality and length of life can be greatly improved.