I think the author jumps to some conclusions here - not sure what is cause and effect.<p>Is it possible that people stricken by serious mental illness in these societies simply die? I have some experience with mental illness and I can see how someone &#x27;out of their mind&#x27; could easily die young when exposed to the elements.<p>I don&#x27;t have direct evidence, but I believe the mortality rate in rural &#x2F; isolated societies is higher than in more cultivated societies.