A new study by researchers at the Royal College in London and other institutes in the UK confirmed that solving 3 health problems may help people with severe mental illnesses to live longer.
British researchers analyzed the available study information, in an attempt to help guide public health policy, and the aim was to verify the effect of controlling risk factors on the lives of those with severe mental illness, according to the "ibelieveinsci" website.
The researchers found that improvement in these areas leads to an increase in life expectancy. The team divided the problems into 3 categories:
Unhealthy behaviors: such as smoking and an active lifestyle.
Health Care Factors: These include not taking advantage of the available treatments, such as obtaining medication or accessing health care resources.
Social determinants: such as social isolation resulting from severe social rejection or exclusion from social activities.
"Our study showed that by treating healthy behaviors and improving the field of health care and social issues among those suffering from severe mental illnesses, we were able to increase their life expectancy by 4-7 years," said Alex Dragan, lead author of the study.
The researchers observed a deeper effect if all three problems were dealt with effectively. Mental illnesses may appear at any time in life, and the team observed a positive change in longevity if the three problems were addressed early, as the average life expectancy increased 4 years in those with bipolar disorder, and 7 years In people with schizophrenia.
"The analysis indicates that by adopting different methods to help patients with severe mental illness, it is much better than adopting one method, as great benefits appear when addressing problems of unhealthy behaviors, health care problems, and social issues at the same time," Drigan added.
The results also indicated that medical care providers should adopt a comprehensive view of their mentally ill patients.