Time Trends in the Care-Based Incidence of Schizophrenia

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. Data from Groningen psychiatric case register were used to compare first-admission rates for schizophrenia over 1976-90 with thos...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBritish journal of psychiatry Vol. 167; no. 6; pp. 777 - 782
Main Authors Oldehinkel, A. J., Giel, R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.12.1995
RCP
Subjects
Admissions
Bias
Classification
Habits
Health services
Hospitalization
Humans
Incidence
Mental disorders
Mental health
Mental health services
Netherlands
Netherlands - epidemiology
Patients
Psychiatric units
Psychosis
Psychotic Disorders - epidemiology
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia - epidemiology
Trends
Netherlands
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Summary: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. 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. 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. 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.
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ISSN:0007-1250
1472-1465
DOI:10.1192/bjp.167.6.777