MORTALITY AMONG INPATIENTS WITH FUNCTIONA L PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDER

Data from 7 psychiatric hospitals with defined catchment areas were an alysed. 8927 episodes of treatment in patients with functional psychia tric disorder were recorded within 30 months (mean age 43.4 +/- 16.6 y ears; 41.2% male patients). During their stay in hospital 51 patients died, 31 from natural causes and 20 by suicide, compared to 12 deaths expected from the mortality rates of the general population. Standardi sed mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for the different diagnost ic and age groups. In the whole population mortality from all causes ( SMR 4.27, p < 0.001), as well as from natural causes (SMR 2.6 < 0.01) were significantly raised. Risks were highest in patients with schizop hrenia (SMR for all causes of death 6.6, p < 0.001). Mortality from na tural causes was significantly elevated in schizophrenia and related d isorders. Furthermore, a high level of excess mortality mainly due to suicide was established in patients aged under 45 years (SMR 12.2, p < 0.001). Cardiovascular disorders were the most frequent causes of nat ural death. Our data substantiate a significantly elevated mortality r isk due to natural and unnatural death of patients hospitalised for ac ute mental illness. Although the causative factors have not yet been f ully clarified, prophylactic measures with regard to medical care as w ell as suicide prevention should be intensified in psychiatric hospita ls.