People whose parents had mental illnesses more likely to die prematurely up to middle age

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-09-25 01:00

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***This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline (NZ) on 0800 543 354. ***

Chinese and Swedish scientists say people whose parents have mental illnesses are more likely to die prematurely, up to the age of 51. They looked at records for more than 3.5 million Swedish people, around 1.2 million of whom had parents with mental illnesses. They say the link between parental mental illness and premature death held true for all mental disorders and was strongest for 'unnatural' deaths, which include suicides, murder and accidents, and if both parents were diagnosed with mental disorders. The findings highlight the importance of providing support for families with parents with mental disorders to minimise premature deaths in their children, the authors conclude.