Death Rate of Young People Soars After Psychosis Diagnosis
In the year following a new psychosis diagnosis, the death rate for young people is 24 times higher than for young people without psychosis, according to a new study published online in Schizophrenia Bulletin.
Researchers said the surprising findings signal the need for more early intervention programs in the United States.
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“Other studies have shown that early coordinated treatment for psychosis produces the best results. However, we know that the typical duration of untreated psychosis in the United States is around 17 months,” said study coauthor Robert Heinssen, PhD, director of the division of intervention services at the National Institute of Mental Health. “This study reinforces federal and state support for funding evidence-based psychosis treatment programs across the country, and the need for communities to invest in more treatment programs.”
Among the general population in the United States, only people older than 70 have a similar 12-month mortality rate as young adults with psychosis, according to the study.
The investigation spanned approximately 5,000 people between the ages of 16 and 30 with a new psychosis diagnosis who had commercial health insurance. Researchers assessed both mortality and patterns of outpatient and inpatient treatment during the 12 months following diagnosis.
In addition to finding a death rate 24 times greater than their peers in the general population, the study identified low rates of medical oversight for newly diagnosed young adults. Some 61% did not receive antipsychotic medication, and 41% did not receive psychotherapy.
Young people with psychosis who died in the year following diagnosis received even less outpatient treatment and relied more on hospital and emergency care than those who lived, the study found.
Data on cause of death were not available.
“The future of this research will show us what is happening with young people in this population and help us tailor interventions to address their risks,” said researcher Michael Schoenbaum, PhD, senior advisor for mental health services, epidemiology, and economics at the National Institute of Mental Health. “In the meantime, this study is a wake-up call telling us that young people experiencing psychosis need intensive, integrated clinical and psychosocial supports.”
—Jolynn Tumolo
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