Schizophrenia Forum - Is It Time to Panic? schizophrenics life expectancy

Mental Health > Schizophrenia Forum > Is It Time to Panic? schizophrenics life expectancy

TOPICS DOCTOR QUESTIONS

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a lifelong brain disorder. But how do doctors define it? And is there a cure?...

Q: Is It Time to Panic? schizophrenics life expectancy

asked by: Dorgus on November 19th, 2007

New User

I've always been convinced that I was destined to die young. Now my fear seems to be coming true. To put it bluntly, studies are now out that suggest a 25% decrease in life expectancy for schizophrenics. Right now, I'm 45 years old. How much longer can I expect to live?

The primary reason given for the decrease in life expectancy is an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. As it stands:
1) my weight is normal
2) my cholesterol is 210 untreated (currently treated and 160)
3) my untreated blood pressure is 150/100 (currently treated and 125/80)
4) my fasting blood glucose is 100 (untreated)
5) I am sedentary

These are, of course, things I need to discuss with a doctor. I guess I'm just venting my fears. Are any of yens out there scared like I am?

Replies(8)

Philo

replied on November 19th, 2007

Experienced User

I am mostly scared of the quality of life I might have to undergo as an older person rather than the length of it. If I don't end up homeless at some point I am afraid I will end up in some difficult situation without being able to help myself or end up being abused by a caregiver at a home for the destitute elderly. I have no kids, and I am struggling some days as it is.

woops

replied on November 19th, 2007

Experienced User

I agree with philo, a healthy life is also short, life expectancy should not be given the time. But I like philo am afraid of the way I may go whether my life be long or short. Long life sucks when you really think about it, right?

Dorgus

replied on November 21st, 2007

New User

Thanks, guys. One of the things I do when I'm upset is to out and out google a phrase that expresses my distress. I tried "terrified of dying." I found out that I have a lot of company. People expressed the same sort of terror I often feel -- that is most people did. It really didn't matter whether they were religious or not, the experience was the same. I think what it really boils down to is loss of control. When you die you experience -- at least for a time -- complete loss of control.

I also fear the same things you mentioned, philo. About quality of life, though, It's hard to have much life quality when you're scared to death half the time.

Philo

replied on November 22nd, 2007

Experienced User

I hear you. I don't think I'm ready for death because I haven't worked out what I believe and all that stuff, and I'm in the middle of life problems now. Plus I am blamed by the voices for a lot of things, like not working, so I'm afraid of dying while I'm in the "wrong". I would like to be correct when I die. As you might have gleaned from other posts of mine I would like to be enlightened, which would give me a peaceful existence after death (or something like that......). I would say try to work out what you believe and then you won't have to be that scared.

Birch

replied on November 22nd, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Do you happen to have a link to the study?

Is it claiming that pple dx'd w/ schz have shorter life spans if they do not take care of themself? B/c people dx'd w/ schz are less likely to be treated for medical needs, less likely to have stable housing, meals, etc.

It is uber important to take care of yourself.

Georgia59

replied on November 25th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

I agree with Birch. Schizophrenia itself will not make you die early. What happens is many schizophrenics go untreated and don't care for themselves, don't see doctors, don't get adequate nutrition, etc. If you treat your schizophrenia and are able to provide basic needs for yourself (regular food, sleep, exercise, get checked by a doc if you need to) then you will be fine.

In other words, being diagnosed schizophrenic will not make you die early.

Philo

replied on November 25th, 2007

Experienced User

Since I have had my episode I suffer from heart trouble, neurological trouble, weight gain, loss of motivation for exercice. I'm sure all of this will shave of a few years off my lifespan.

Georgia59

replied on November 27th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

We all have issues that will shave years off our potential lifespans. Smile

I wouldn't want to live until I'm 120 and falling apart anyway.

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc