MORTALITY IN DANISH PSYCHIATRIC LONG-STAY PATIENTS, 1972-1982

By use of the computerized, nationwide psychiatric case register in De nmark, 3 cohorts of psychiatric patients hospitalized for at least one year in 1972, 1977 and 1982, respectively, were identified and follow ed until April 1, 1988, regarding cause of death. A decline in overall excess mortality compared with the general population was seen from t he 1972 cohort to the 1982 cohort irrespective of sex, age group and d iagnosis. To analyse cause of death, 298 long-stay patients at Aarhus Psychiatric Hospital were followed for 5.5 years. Lung diseases caused the highest excess mortality. The authors emphasize that risk of deat h in long-stay patients below 50 years of age is still fourfold compar ed with the general population and point to the necessity of improving medical care.