Other physical health problems in people with schizophrenia

While cardiovascular risk remains the most important factor in early death among people with schizophrenia, a host of other physical health maladies are also found in excess in this group of individuals. These include pulmonary problems, poor bone health with associated risk of fractures, sexual health problems, infectious diseases, and poor oral health. Certain cancers are seen in excess in people with schizophrenia, but what is perhaps more of a shameful indictment of our health systems is that if they develop cancer, they are less likely to be effectively treated than people without a mental illness. Intriguingly, there is some evidence of higher pain tolerance among people with schizophrenia, as well as remarkably low rates of degenerative musculoskeletal conditions.