Most Britons Underestimate How Severely Mental Illness Shortens Lives, Study Finds

Most Britons Underestimate How Severely Mental Illness Shortens Lives, Study Finds
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Most people in the UK significantly underestimate how much severe mental illness (SMI) reduces life expectancy, Anadolu Agency reported citing new research from King’s Health Partners, Maudsley Charity and the Policy Institute at King’s College London. While the public believes SMI cuts lives by about seven years, the study shows the true gap is 15 to 20 years, affecting more than 500,000 people with conditions such as schizophrenia, psychosis and bipolar disorder.

Only 11% of survey respondents correctly identified the extent of premature mortality linked to SMI. The study notes that SMI shortens lives more than diabetes, severe obesity or smoking, which typically reduce life expectancy by up to 10 years.

Misunderstandings about causes of early death are widespread. Half of respondents incorrectly believe suicide is the main driver, although it accounts for only around 9% of excess deaths. Few recognized cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as the leading causes.

Public awareness of inequalities is also low: only 14% knew SMI is more common among Black African and Black Caribbean Britons, and fewer than half linked it to deprivation and urban living. However, 67% support improving physical health care to reduce the mortality gap.

Professor Matthew Hotopf said the findings reveal “one of the greatest health inequalities of our time,” urging urgent action.