Schizophrenia prevalence
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Global Schizophrenia Prevalence: Key Estimates and Trends
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder with a relatively low prevalence in the general population, but it carries a significant burden worldwide. Recent global studies estimate the age-standardized point prevalence of schizophrenia to be about 0.28% (or 2.8 per 1,000 people) in 2016, with little variation across countries or regions and no significant difference between males and females . Other systematic reviews report median lifetime morbid risk at 7.2 per 1,000 persons, and median point prevalence at 4.6 per 1,000 persons, though estimates can vary widely depending on study design and population 436.
Variation in Prevalence Estimates: Methodological and Population Factors
Prevalence estimates for schizophrenia show considerable variability due to differences in diagnostic criteria, study design, and population characteristics 6437. For example, studies using broader definitions of schizophrenia spectrum disorders report higher prevalence, while those relying on inpatient-only data report lower rates . Higher quality studies and those conducted in more developed countries tend to find higher prevalence rates, possibly due to better detection and reporting 46. Migrant populations consistently show higher prevalence compared to native-born individuals, with a median migrant-to-native-born ratio of 1.8 43.
Trends Over Time and Across Regions
From 1990 to 2019, the raw global prevalence of schizophrenia increased from 14.2 to 23.6 million cases, largely due to population growth and aging, while age-standardized rates remained stable 295. The annual percentage change in global prevalence was small, at about 0.03% per year . The burden of schizophrenia is heavier in less affluent regions, and the highest prevalence is seen among individuals aged 30–59 years . In high-income countries, both prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) have increased, while in low-income countries, age-standardized incidence has decreased and DALYs have remained stable 29.
Special Populations: Homelessness and Institutionalized Groups
Schizophrenia is much more common among homeless populations, with pooled prevalence estimates around 10.3%—substantially higher than in the general population . The prevalence is even higher in developing countries compared to developed ones . Institutionalized populations, such as those in hospitals or prisons, also tend to have higher rates, but these groups are often excluded from general population studies 67.
Sex, Age, and Other Demographic Patterns
While the overall male-to-female ratio for schizophrenia is about 1.1, males tend to have an earlier age of onset, and females have a higher prevalence after age 65 due to longer life expectancy 235. No significant differences in prevalence are found between urban and rural areas in most studies, though some suggest urbanicity and migrant status may increase risk 43.
Conclusion
Schizophrenia affects a small but significant portion of the global population, with point prevalence estimates generally ranging from 0.28% to 0.48%. Prevalence varies by study design, population, and region, and is notably higher in special populations such as migrants and the homeless. While the absolute number of cases has increased due to demographic changes, age-standardized prevalence rates have remained stable over recent decades. Understanding these patterns is crucial for planning mental health services and targeting interventions for high-risk groups.
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