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Prevalence Studies in Schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

E. Fuller Torrey
E. Fuller Torrey*
Affiliation:
Twin Studies Unit, William A. White Division, Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington DC 20032, USA
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Abstract

Over 70 prevalence studies of schizophrenia published since 1948 are reviewed. Despite problems of method, the studies suggest that there may be significant differences in prevalence among different populations and that prevalence may change over time. Further research is needed on how much differences in diagnosis or the course of schizophrenia contribute to the variable prevalence rates. The paper suggests the following as areas for additional enquiry: a possible north-south gradient, special populations (e.g. American Hutterites, northern Swedes, western Irish, castes in India) and ongoing case registers in areas of suspected high and low prevalence.

Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 150 , Issue 5 , May 1987 , pp. 598 - 608
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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