Epidemiology of Schizophrenia: Review of Findings and Myths

Abstract

By describing patterns of disease distribution within populations, identifying risk factors, and finding associations, epidemiological studies have contributed to our current understanding of schizophrenia. Advanced paternal age and the association with auto-immune diseases are some of the newly described epidemiological finding in schizophrenia epidemiology, shaping our current definition of schizophrenia. Though early intervention strategies have gained momentum, primary prevention of schizophrenia still seems a very distant aspiration. In this article we review the major epidemiological features of schizophrenia, with particular attention to the recent advances using population-based data. We also discuss some pervasive myths in schizophrenia epidemiology, such as the universal distribution and the gender equality myths. Review of the available evidence shows that schizophrenia does not distribute itself equally across cultures and countries, and the disease is more prevalent among males.

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