In addition to psychosocial impairment, patients with severe mental illness (SMI) are exposed to substantial risks with respect to physical health. Their life expectancy is significantly shortened in the range of 1-2 decades. Against this background common medical comorbidities of this important group of patients are discussed (e.g. cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic disorders) with a focus on those clinical aspects most relevant for everyday psychiatric practice. Potentials for improvement of curative and preventive health care are outlined. Current scientific and clinical knowledge on somatic health of patients with SMI provides evidence of close interactions between physical and mental health. Meeting the challenge of compromised physical health in this particular group of patients might be a relevant topic for further conceptual development of psychiatry, psychotherapy und psychosomatic medicine.
Keywords: Excess mortality; Health care; Medical comorbidity; Mental health.