How many people have schizophrenia in the world
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Global Prevalence of Schizophrenia: An Overview
Introduction to Schizophrenia Prevalence
Schizophrenia is a chronic and often disabling mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the global prevalence of schizophrenia is crucial for health service planning and addressing the burden of this condition.
Global Estimates of Schizophrenia Prevalence
Prevalence Rates
The global prevalence of schizophrenia has been extensively studied, with estimates indicating that it affects approximately 0.28% to 1% of the world's population. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 estimated the age-standardized point prevalence of schizophrenia to be 0.28% . Other studies have reported prevalence rates ranging from 0.4% to 1% Freitas2018Maruta2016Chan2011.
Number of Affected Individuals
In terms of the number of individuals affected, estimates vary. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 reported that the number of people with schizophrenia increased from 13.1 million in 1990 to 20.9 million in 2016 . Other sources suggest that approximately 24 million people worldwide suffer from schizophrenia Abi-Dargham2014Maruta2016Chan2011. Some studies even estimate the number to be as high as 60 million .
Regional Variations and Influencing Factors
Differences Across Regions
While the prevalence of schizophrenia does not vary widely across different countries or regions, there are some notable differences. For instance, the prevalence in developing countries is often reported to be lower than in developed countries . Additionally, the prognosis for schizophrenia tends to be better in developing countries compared to Western populations, possibly due to genetic and environmental interactions .
Factors Influencing Prevalence
Several factors influence the prevalence of schizophrenia, including genetic predisposition, early neurodevelopmental deviations, cognitive abilities, and social behavior . Migrant status has also been identified as a significant factor, with migrants showing higher prevalence rates compared to native-born individuals .
Conclusion
Schizophrenia affects millions of people globally, with estimates ranging from 20.9 million to 60 million individuals. The prevalence rates are relatively consistent across different regions, although some variations exist. Understanding these prevalence rates and the factors influencing them is essential for improving treatment and support for individuals with schizophrenia worldwide.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Global Epidemiology and Burden of Schizophrenia: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
Schizophrenia has a low prevalence but substantial burden of disease, particularly affecting middle-income countries due to population growth and aging.
Professional inclusion of people with schizophrenia: aspects of functionality and intervention strategies
The Schizophrenia Program of the Paulista School of Medicine (PROESQ/ UNIFESP) has developed technologies to assist people with schizophrenia in returning to social life, benefiting individuals, families, and society.
DOI