Epigenetic Clocks in Schizophrenia: Promising Biomarkers, Foggy Clockwork

Increased mortality in schizophrenia runs through all age groups, resulting in a 10- to 20-year shortening of life expectancy compared with the general population. This “mortality gap” may have grown wider over the course of the last several decades (1), mandating renewed efforts by academia and the public health sector to mitigate the current situation. Importantly, two thirds of the excess mortality in schizophrenia is driven by chronic metabolic diseases, in cluding type II diabetes and dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease with a multitude of contributing factors, such as unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet, smoking, and excess alcohol consumption (1).
Source: Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research