Schizophrenia Affects Over half a Million Adults in Brazil, Study Reveals
A new study by researchers from Unifesp, USP, and UFPR reveals that 547,202 adults aged 18 or over in Brazil live with schizophrenia – representing 0.34% of the adult population. The analysis, titled “The prevalence of Schizophrenia in Brazil: Social vulnerability as a basic Consideration for Care and Public Policies,” highlights a strong link between the disorder and social and economic inequality.
The study, based on data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS), analyzed details from 91,000 adults and found that men aged 40 to 59, with low income and education, residing in urban areas, unemployed, and living alone constitute the majority of those affected. Researchers ary Gadelha de Alencar Araripe Neto and Raffael Massuda emphasize this is the largest national sample ever used to estimate schizophrenia prevalence in Brazil, filling a meaningful knowledge gap.
the researchers point out the broader social impact, noting that schizophrenia typically begins around age 18 and impacts the lives of entire families. Considering immediate family members, the condition affects millions of Brazilians. The study found that 54.8% of those with schizophrenia have incomplete primary education, while only 10.5% have higher education, and 82.2% are unemployed.
Gadelha suggests the actual prevalence could be even higher – perhaps around 30% – as the study excluded homeless and institutionalized populations. Schizophrenia is known to reduce life expectancy by up to 15 years and is associated with unemployment, poverty, and isolation, issues exacerbated by Brazil’s existing social inequalities.
The study underscores the critical need to address social vulnerability in the care and public policies surrounding schizophrenia in Brazil.
Schizophrenia: New Brazilian Study Highlights Risk Factors, Social Impact & Need for Public Policy
A recent study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with schizophrenia in Brazil, highlighting key risk factors, the impact on daily life, and the urgent need for extensive public health policies. Researchers emphasize the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in the advancement of the disorder.
Risk Factors and Early Onset
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder affecting thought, feeling, and behavior, typically emerging in late adolescence. The study reinforces existing understanding of the complex etiology of schizophrenia,identifying several risk factors. These include perinatal infections, exposure to violence, and substance use – especially illicit drugs – during adolescence, as explained by researcher Gadelha. Genetic vulnerability plays a crucial role, but these environmental factors can significantly increase the risk of developing the illness, especially in those with a predisposition.
The disease often manifests earlier and with greater severity in men, while women tend to experience a later onset and milder symptoms.
Social and Economic Consequences
The study reveals significant consequences for individuals living with schizophrenia.A concerningly small proportion of those affected are employed, indicating a substantial loss of functionality. Researchers also noted a high number of individuals living in social isolation.
“For me, it might very well be a reflection of the stigma that schizophrenia has, so these people might potentially be more alone, without a partner,” stated Massuda, a researcher involved in the study. “It is indeed not possible to talk about causality here. The study is a photograph. We also noticed the low schooling rate. It is indeed a population that needs not only health care, but much more global and structured at different points.”
Competing Theories on Vulnerability
The research touches upon two prominent theories regarding the link between socioeconomic vulnerability and schizophrenia.The social causation theory suggests that individuals in vulnerable groups are more exposed to environmental risk factors, increasing their likelihood of developing the illness. Conversely, the social drift theory proposes that the illness itself leads to difficulties in education, employment, and socioeconomic stability, resulting in a decline in social standing after the onset of the disease. While the debate continues, evidence supports both the increased exposure to risk factors and the subsequent challenges faced by those with schizophrenia.
Call for Public Policy & Improved Access to Care
The researchers plan to present their findings to the mental health department of the Brazilian Ministry of Health to inform the development of effective public policies. They advocate for interventions that improve access to education and healthcare, promote autonomy, and facilitate a return to the job market for individuals with schizophrenia.
“It is also the role of public universities and research centers,” added Massuda. “When I talk about public policies, I mean doing tests that allow us to think about models that can improve access to education and health, encourage autonomy and return to the job market.”
Treatment and Support
While schizophrenia has no cure, symptoms can be effectively managed with medications that block excess dopamine. these medications are available through Brazil’s Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS – Unified Health System).
The study was conducted by Carolina Ziebold, Pedro Gabriel Lorencetti, Naielly Rodrigues da Silva, Alexandre Faisal-Cury, Daniel Mauricio de Oliveira Rodrigues, Christoph U. Correll, Jair Mari, and Russell Margolis.
Sources:
* Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry (link to journal homepage – specific study not yet available online as of Nov 29, 2023)
* National Institute of Mental Health – schizophrenia
* World Health Association – Schizophrenia
* SUS (sistema Único de Saúde) (Official website of the Brazilian Unified Health System)