The Effects of Psychotropic Medications on Mortality Rate

As someone who struggles with mental illness, I was interested in how antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers affect physical health. The mortality rate in people with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder is 2-3 time higher (10-15 years difference) as compared to the general population (Correll et al., 2015). This statement made me wonder if the increase in mortality rate is caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices, by the medications used to treat these diseases, or by some other factor unaccounted for. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people with severe mental disorders yet, heart disease is also the leading cause of death in the general population. Therefore, why do people with mental illness have a higher mortality rate? 

One reason for an increase in mortality rate in individuals with severe mental illnesses is due to unmonitored antipsychotic medications. These medications can cause severe weight gain and as we all know; weight gain can lead to cardiovascular complications. (World Health Organization, n.d.) People with schizophrenia have a 2.8-4.4 fold increase in the likelihood of being obese and individuals with major depression or bipolar disorder have a 1.2-1.7 fold increase in the likelihood of being obese (Correll et al., 2015). Personally, I have tried various antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants and based on my own experience I can say with 100% certainty, that weight gain is a common side effect of these medications. Knowing and understanding the potential side effects of these medications has allowed me to better cope with the idea that people like me have an increase in mortality rate as I can combat this with a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine in order to live a normal, healthy life. 

            

Correll, C., Detraux, J., Lepeleire, J., & Hert, M. (2015, June). Effects of antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers on risk for physical diseases in people with schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4471960/

 

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Premature death among people with severe mental disorders. WHO | World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/mental_health/management/info_sheet.pdf?ua=1