Excess Mortality Among Psychiatric Patients: The Iowa Record-Linkage Study

Of 5412 patients admitted to the university of Iowa Paychiatric Hospital between Jan. 01, 1972, & Dec. 31, 1981, 331 died during the follow-up period, significantly more than expected. The greatest risk was for females aged 30-39; those with a psychiatric history of organic mental disorders of schizophrenia. 99% of the excess deaths occurred within 2 years of discharge. Other significant findings are discussed. 33 ref.