Anxiety and Depression May Shorten Lifespan by Up to 20 Years, Scientists Find

Mental health struggles can have a profound impact on physical health, potentially shortening life expectancy by as much as 10 to 20 years, according to emerging research. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD are increasingly linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases.

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mental disorders have a 50 percent to even double the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular death compared to those without such conditions.

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health, Europe highlights the critical connection between mental and cardiovascular well-being. It found that individuals with mental health disorders are 50% to twice as likely to develop heart disease, suffer a stroke, or die from cardiovascular causes compared to those without these conditions. The relationship is bidirectional, with heart problems also capable of triggering mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

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more than 40 percent of people with cardiovascular disease also have mental health difficulties.

More than 40% of people with cardiovascular disease also experience mental health difficulties. Specific conditions show alarming correlations: depression is linked to a 72% higher risk of heart disease, anxiety disorders to a 41% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, and schizophrenia nearly doubles the risk. Researchers attribute this comorbidity to factors like chronic stress, inflammation, hormonal responses, and unhealthy behaviors such as poor sleep, inactivity, and smoking.

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people living with depression are 72 percent more likely to develop heart disease, while anxiety disorders are associated with a 41 percent higher risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Despite these risks being known to medical professionals, individuals with mental health conditions often receive substandard cardiovascular care. They tend to undergo fewer physical check-ups and screenings, and are less likely to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Social and structural barriers, including stigma and socioeconomic disadvantages, contribute to these gaps in care.

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the risk is almost doubled for schizophrenia, with a 95 percent increase.