How does mental illness impact life expectancy?

• A. About the same
• B. Longer life expectancy
• C. More than 10 years shorter
• D. Shorter by 2-3 years

Answer: (C)

Mental illness is linked to a substantial reduction in lifespan, not just due to the condition itself but because of a combination of factors that accompany it. Higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses; greater prevalence of smoking and substance use; side effects from certain medications; and barriers to accessing consistent, high-quality healthcare all contribute to earlier mortality. Population studies repeatedly show that people with mental illness live significantly shorter lives, often more than ten years shorter than those without mental illness. Among the given options, this description best matches the real-world evidence. The exact gap can vary by diagnosis and individual circumstances, but a reduction of more than ten years is consistently observed and reflects the overall impact of mental illness on longevity.