Reducing excess mortality due to chronic disease in people with severe mental illness: meta-review of health interventions

Background People with severe mental illness (SMI) have high rates of chronic disease and premature death. Aims To explore the strength of evidence for interventions to reduce risk of mortality in people with SMI. Method In a meta-review of 16 systematic reviews of controlled studies, mortality was the primary outcome (8 reviews). Physiological health measures (body mass index, weight, glucose levels, lipid profiles and blood pressure) were secondary outcomes (14 reviews). Results Antipsychotic and antidepressant medications had some protective effect on mortality, subject to treatment adherence. Integrative community care programmes may reduce physical morbidity and excess deaths, but the effective ingredients are unknown. Interventions to improve unhealthy lifestyles and risky behaviours can improve risk factor profiles, but longer follow-up is needed. Preventive interventions and improved medical care for comorbid chronic disease may reduce excess mortality, but data are lacking. Conclusions Improved adherence to pharmacological and physical health management guidelines is indicated.