Excess Mortality in People with Severe Mental Disorders in Sweden
Author Information
Author(s): Tidemalm Dag, Waern Margda, Stefansson Claes-Göran, Elofsson Stig, Runeson Bo
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet
Hypothesis
Does excess mortality in individuals with severe mental disorders remain high in Sweden after the Community Mental Health Care Reform?
Conclusion
Mortality remains high in those with long-term mental disorder in Sweden, regardless of treatment setting.
Supporting Evidence
- Mortality was increased in both genders for natural and external causes.
- Excess mortality was greater among those with a history of psychiatric inpatient care.
- SMRs in those in contact with psychiatric services were similar to those in contact with social services.
Takeaway
People with serious mental health issues in Sweden are dying more often than others, and this hasn't changed even with new types of care.
Methodology
A cohort study analyzing excess mortality by linking survey data with hospital discharge and cause of death registers.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in defining long-term disability and varying criteria across service settings.
Limitations
Inclusion criteria may introduce bias, and diagnostic data for outpatient care is lacking.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults aged 18 and older with long-term disabling mental disorders, including both genders.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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