Accelerated aging in serious mental disorders

• Published in: Current opinion in psychiatry Vol. 32; no. 5; pp. 381 - 387
• Main Authors: Bersani, Francesco S, Mellon, Synthia H, Reus, Victor I, Wolkowitz, Owen M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Copyright Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved 01-09-2019; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ovid Technologies
• Subjects: Aging; Aging, Premature - psychology; Biomarkers; Epidemiology; Epigenesis, Genetic; Humans; Immunosenescence; Life Style; Mental disorders; Mental Disorders - metabolism; Mental Disorders - physiopathology; Telomere Shortening
• ISSN: 0951-7367; 1473-6578; 1473-6578
• DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000525

PURPOSE OF REVIEWClinical, 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 FINDINGSThe concept of accelerated biological aging in SMDs is supported by reports of accelerated changes in certain biomarkers normally associated with the aging process.
SUMMARYWe 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 and meanings of these markers, their usefulness in understanding and treating SMDs, and remaining questions and future directions in this area of research.