Some Changes in the Pattern of Mortality in Schizophrenia, in Sweden

A series consisting of 355 male patients, 187 with definite and 168 with probable schizophrenia, all first admissions during 1947-58, were investigated with regard to the frequency and causes of death. In comparison with the general population there is a significantly increased mortality, and this is found to be due wholly to an excess of suicides. The causes for the high mortality from suicide is discussed.