History of anxiety or depression linked to shorter lifespan

Research linking anxiety and depression to mortality is often based on a single measurement of mental health. In a new study, researchers have investigated the long-term relationship between mental health and lifespan using data from a cohort of 3,000 people in the UK. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured at ages 13 to 15, 36, 43, and 53 years. The results suggest that those who reported clinically significant levels of anxiety or depression were at greater risk of dying by the age of 68. This risk was higher in people who reported symptoms in adolescence and highest in those who reported symptoms throughout their life. By linking these findings to other health measurements, the authors conclude that anxiety or depression may result in a shorter lifespan by impacting long-term health behaviours, such as smoking, diet, and physical activity.