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Time Trends in the Care-Based Incidence of Schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

A. J. Oldehinkel  and
R. Giel
A. J. Oldehinkel*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Psychiatry, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands
R. Giel
Affiliation:
Department of Social Psychiatry, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands
*
Dr Oldehinkel, Department of Social Psychiatry, University Hospital Groningen, P. O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract

Background

Several studies have suggested a declining first-admission rate for schizophrenia. This study examines the care-based incidence of schizophrenia in a Dutch register area.

Method

Data from Groningen psychiatric case register were used to compare first-admission rates for schizophrenia over 1976–90 with those of other functional psychoses, and to consider various potential biases.

Results

Diagnostic habits probably affected time trends in incidence rates. Using a broader definition of schizophrenia, no evidence was found for a decrease in the incidence of schizophrenia. Although first admissions to intramural services showed a (non-significant) decrease, this effect seemed to be neutralised when all mental health services were taken into account.

Conclusions

Care-based studies of time trends in psychiatric disorders should embrace all mental health services. Furthermore, unless a diagnostic classification system with univocal criteria is used, bias caused by changing diagnostic habits cannot be ruled out.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 6 , December 1995 , pp. 777 - 782
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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