Psychotic illness in ethnic groups

Countries with a majority black population do not feature at all in the study most quoted when similar worldwide prevalences of schizophrenia are claimed. 2 Limited data exist on prevalence in some African and Caribbean countries, but these studies do not use standardised criteria. Because the provision of services is different in the developing world underreporting may well occur. 3 4 As the incidence of schizophrenia in Britain is thought to be declining 5 it is important that studies of migrant populations relate to the countries of origin as well as the host countries.