Schizophrenia linked to social inequality

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-12/uoc-slt121412.php

Public release date: 14-Dec-2012
Contact: Genevieve Maul
University of Cambridge

Urban neighbourhoods with high deprivation, population density and inequality found to have higher rates of schizophrenia

Higher rates of schizophrenia in urban areas can be attributed to increased deprivation, increased population density and an increase in inequality within a neighbourhood, new research reveals. The research, led by the University of Cambridge in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London, was published today in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin.

Dr James Kirkbride, lead author of the study from the University of Cambridge, said: "Although we already know that schizophrenia tends to be elevated in more urban communities, it was unclear why. Our research suggests that more densely populated, more deprived and less equal communities experience higher rates of schizophrenia and other similar disorders. This is important because other research has shown that many health and social outcomes also tend to be optimal when societies are more equal."

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