Prevalence of schizophrenia
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Prevalence of Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Overview
Global Prevalence Estimates
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder with varying prevalence rates across different populations and regions. A systematic review of studies from 1965 to 2002 identified 1,721 prevalence estimates from 188 studies across 46 countries. The median prevalence values per 1,000 persons were 4.6 for point prevalence, 3.3 for period prevalence, 4.0 for lifetime prevalence, and 7.2 for lifetime morbid risk1. Another study reported a global age-standardized point prevalence of 0.28% in 2016, with no significant sex differences and minimal variation across countries and regions3.
Variability in Prevalence
The prevalence of schizophrenia shows significant variability influenced by several factors. Studies have found that prevalence estimates can vary based on study design, geographic region, and diagnostic criteria4. For instance, the prevalence in migrants is higher compared to native-born individuals, with a median migrant-to-native-born ratio of 1.81 2. Additionally, prevalence estimates from less developed countries are significantly lower than those from emerging and developed countries1.
Age and Sex Differences
The prevalence of schizophrenia in older populations shows distinct characteristics. A study in the Netherlands found a one-year prevalence of 0.71% among individuals aged 60 and older, with higher rates in women and a notable proportion of late-onset cases9. However, overall, no significant differences in prevalence between males and females have been observed in broader studies1 3.
Impact of Urbanicity and Economic Status
Urbanicity and economic status also play roles in the prevalence of schizophrenia. Studies have shown that urban environments are associated with higher prevalence rates compared to rural areas1 2. Moreover, higher prevalence rates are observed in developed and emerging economies compared to least developed countries1.
Methodological Considerations
The variability in prevalence estimates can also be attributed to methodological differences across studies. Higher quality studies tend to report higher prevalence estimates1. Additionally, the use of different diagnostic criteria and the inclusion of broader schizophrenia spectrum disorders can significantly impact prevalence rates4.
Conclusion
The prevalence of schizophrenia varies widely across different populations and regions, influenced by factors such as migrant status, urbanicity, economic status, and methodological differences in studies. Despite being a low prevalence disorder, schizophrenia contributes significantly to the global burden of disease, emphasizing the need for continued research and targeted health service planning.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia prevalence estimates are similar across males, females, urban, rural, and mixed sites, with higher rates in migrants and least developed countries.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedSchizophrenia: a concise overview of incidence, prevalence, and mortality.
Schizophrenia epidemiology shows prominent variability and gradients, with migrants having an increased incidence and prevalence, and factors like urbanicity, economic status, and latitude influencing frequency measures.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedGlobal 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.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAn evaluation of variation in published estimates of schizophrenia prevalence from 1990─2013: a systematic literature review
Study characteristics play a significant role in the variation in schizophrenia prevalence estimates, with a median estimate of 0.33 % in general populations from 2003-2013.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedPrevalence Studies in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia prevalence varies among different populations and may change over time, with potential north-south gradients, special populations, and ongoing case registers needing further research.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedThe prevalence of schizophrenia: a reassessment using modern diagnostic criteria.
The true prevalence of schizophrenia is much lower than previously believed, with a hospital admission prevalence of about 6% using strict diagnostic criteria.
Highly CitedAnnual prevalence of diagnosed schizophrenia in the USA: a claims data analysis approach
The 12-month prevalence of diagnosed schizophrenia in the USA in 2002 was estimated at 51 per 1000 lives, with Medicaid having the highest prevalence rate among the populations studied.
Observational StudyHighly CitedEpidemiology of schizophrenia: the global burden of disease and disability
Schizophrenia is a complex disease with a better prognosis in developing countries, likely due to interactions between genetic variation and specific environmental factors.
Highly CitedSchizophrenia spectrum disorders in later life: prevalence and distribution of age at onset and sex in a dutch catchment area.
Schizophrenia prevalence in older individuals is within the range reported for younger populations, with a significant proportion of later-onset cases and a strong female preponderance.
Observational StudyHighly CitedCommon variants on chromosome 6p22.1 are associated with schizophrenia
Common variants on chromosome 6p22.1 are significantly associated with schizophrenia, potentially implicating chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation, autoimmunity, and infection mechanisms.
Meta-AnalysisHighly Cited