News > People with serious mental illness dying early from physical health neglect

Created: 2005-06-22 19:43:22

The report 'Running on Empty' launched at the House of Commons on June 28 shows that the chances of people with severe mental illness dying early are three times higher than those of the general population, with reduced life expectancy of up to 15 years.

Commenting on the report’s findings Marjorie Wallace, SANE’s Chief Executive, says:

“We have for many years been highlighting the neglect of the physical health of people with mental illness. There is a tendency to dismiss and neglect the physical health of people with severe mental illness, and yet they are at much higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer and HIV/Aids. A survey for this report shows that 86% of patients said they had not received the record taken of their health history, and 78% had not been offered a blood sugar test despite the known connection between schizophrenia, anti-psychotic drugs and diabetes.

“We endorse this report and its call to action to improve the physical health care of those with mental illness. We believe that each time a person with mental illness seeks advice from healthcare professionals, they should be given a physical health check-up and advice on both their physical and mental health needs.”

SANE has joined a group of leading experts, charities and professional organisations to contribute to this report and issue an immediate “call for action” to improve the physical health care of those with severe mental illness. Marjorie Wallace, along with the Chief Executives of the other contributing organizations, signed a letter to MPs highlighting the findings in the report and inviting them to sign an Early Day Motion.
To download report in PDF format, click here.