The relationship between mortality and mental disorder: Evidence from the Liverpool longitudinal study

Abstract In 1982/83 a random community sample of 1070 people aged 65 years and over resident in Liverpool was identified. GMS data from this sample were analysed using the AGECAT computer diagnostic program and reliable and valid rates for the different mental illnesses were determined. One hundred and seventy‐nine subjects have died during the first three years of follow‐up in the longitudinal study and form the basis of the mortality data presented here. The results demonstrate a significant relationship between mortality rates and mental disorder and we discuss these findings for different diagnostic categories as well as using the ability of the AGECAT system to look at case levels.