A large number of retrospective epidemiological & prospective studies have been published on mortality rates & causation in schizophrenia, predominantly from 2006-2009. Data suggest the mortality gap with the general population increased from the 1970s but may have peaked in the mid-1990s. The main causes of mortality are suicide, cancer, & cardiovascular disease, with evidence that cancer mortality rates are similar to cardiovascular mortality rates. Mortality causation is dependent upon age of the cohort, length of follow-up, & type of study. Further research is required for any definitive conclusions. (59 refs.) JA