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By Emily Selvadurai Health reporter, BBC News online
People with mild mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression are more likely
to die early, say researchers.
They looked at the premature deaths from conditions such as heart disease and
cancer of 68,000 people in England.
The research suggested low level distress raised the risk by 16%, once
lifestyle factors such as drinking and smoking were taken into account.
More serious problems increased it by 67%, the University College London and
Edinburgh University team said.
The risk among those with severe mental health problems is already well
documented.
But researchers said the finding among those with milder cases - thought to be
one in every four people - was concerning, as many would be undiagnosed.
The Wellcome Trust-funded study, published in the British Medical Journal,
looked at data over 10 years and matched it to information on death
certificates.
Mental health disorders include:
Anxiety, panic and phobias
Body dysmorphia
OCD
Postnatal depression
Stress
Agoraphobia
Source:BBC Health
Find out more about mental health
This is the largest study so far to show an association between psychological
distress and death, according to scientists.
Lead author Dr Tom Russ said: "The fact that an increased risk of mortality was
evident, even at low levels of psychological distress, should prompt research
into whether treatment of these very common, minor symptoms can modify this
increased risk of death."
John Williams, head of neuroscience and mental health at the Wellcome Trust,
said: "This study highlights the need to ensure they have access to appropriate
health care and advice so that they can take steps to improve the outcome of
their illness."
Paul Jenkins, chief executive of the charity Rethink, said: "Sadly, these
findings do not come as a surprise.
"While this study looks at depression and anxiety, people with severe mental
illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia die, on average, 20 years
earlier than the rest of us. It's an absolute scandal.
"There is a huge lack of awareness amongst health professionals about the
increased risk of physical illness for this group, which means people are dying
needlessly every day."