How many people have schizophrenia worldwide
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Global Prevalence of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Prevalence Estimates
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016, the global age-standardized point prevalence of schizophrenia in 2016 was estimated to be 0.28% . This translates to approximately 20.9 million cases globally in 2016, up from 13.1 million in 1990 . Another study from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 reported 1.13 million incident cases of schizophrenia in 2017 .
Consistent Prevalence Across Studies
Multiple sources corroborate these findings, indicating that schizophrenia affects around 24 million people worldwide 3579. This consistency across various studies highlights the reliability of these estimates.
Regional and Demographic Variations
While the global prevalence rate is relatively stable, there are regional and demographic variations. For instance, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized rate of disability-adjusted life years (ASDR) were highest in East Asia in 2017 . Additionally, the incidence and burden of schizophrenia are higher among males compared to females, and the highest rates are observed in individuals aged 20-29 and 30-54 years .
Increasing Burden Over Time
The burden of schizophrenia has been increasing over time, primarily due to population growth and aging. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 noted that schizophrenia contributes 13.4 million years of life lived with disability globally . This increasing burden underscores the need for effective healthcare planning and resource allocation to manage the growing number of patients with schizophrenia.
Conclusion
In summary, schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people worldwide, with a global prevalence rate of around 0.28%. The burden of the disease is substantial and increasing, necessitating ongoing efforts in healthcare planning and resource allocation to address this significant public health issue.
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