Accelerated aging in serious mental disorders.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Clinical, epidemiological, and biological evidence raises the possibility that serious mental disorders (SMDs) are associated with accelerated biological aging. To the extent this is true; SMDs should not simply be considered in terms of mental illness or brain dysfunction, but also as 'whole body' and multisystem illnesses, or else as conditions with significant somatic concomitants.

Recent findings

The concept of accelerated biological aging in SMDs is supported by reports of accelerated changes in certain biomarkers normally associated with the aging process.

Summary

We define and discuss several proposed biological aging markers that have been examined in SMDs, we review the most recent findings, and we conclude with opinions regarding the merits

SUBMITTER: Bersani FS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6707774 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature