MORTALITY IN A HOSPITALIZED MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED POPULATION - A 10-YEAR SURVEY

The mortality experiences of a hospitalized mentally handicapped popul ation between 1981 and 1990 (inclusive) were examined. A continued tre nd for increasing longevity in both males and females was found, with mean ages at death now approaching those in the general population. Th e commonest cause of death was non-tubercular respiratory infection, f rom which patients were particularly at risk during the months of Dece mber to February (inclusive). Patients diagnosed as suffering from psy choses other than schizophrenia and mood disorder had an increased mor tality and should be thoroughly investigated for the presence of organ ic pathology. Epilepsy and Down's syndrome were associated with increa sed risk of earlier death, although in the case of Down's syndrome the re has been a marked increase in longevity.