Closing the Mortality Gap: Novel Approaches to Improve Physical Health and Quality of Life among People with Mental Illness

Mental illnesses, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, are chronic conditions which are associated with high prevalence of physical health comorbidity, leading to a shortened life expectancy of an average reduction of 15 years. The key drivers of this high physical health morbidity and mortality include metabolic side-effects of antipsychotic medications and sub-optimal lifestyle. Combined, these factors contribute to higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease which is the main cause of premature mortality. Further, weight-related impacts extend beyond physical health, affecting a person’s self-esteem, quality of life and social engagement, triggering treatment non-adherence, relapse and deteriorating health. Novel interventions, developed in collaboration with end-users, that target modifiable risk factors such as physical activity, nutrition, and facilitate self-management of chronic health conditions, are therefore urgently needed.