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Epidemiology of Schizophrenia

By Race

In Western Europe it has been documented that immigrant groups are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. The immigrant groups that are predominate in the increased schizophrenia diagnosis are of black origin. The highest rates of schizophrenia diagnosis come from those of Afro-caribbean ethnicity and those with black african descent. In the US, African Americans have been found to be three times more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, and when taking socioeconomic status into account they are two times more likely than their white counterparts. However, those diagnosed with schizophrenia in developing countries have been found to have better course and outcome than their counterparts in industrialized countries. These improved outcomes may be because these countries place emphasis on harmonious interpersonal relationships.

Prenatal Care

In two natural experiments conducted on populations that experienced famine, the rates of schizophrenia diagnosed were observed. During both the Chinese Famine (1950's) and the Dutch Hunger Winter (1944-1945) the cohorts of the exposed group were twice as likely to develop schizophrenia as compared to the unexposed cohorts. It is possible that prenatal nutritional deficiency plays a role in the development of schizophrenia, in particular the lack of micronutrients. Countries with poor prenatal care, low food supply, or developing countries could have a higher incidence of schizophrenia, but more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

References