Schizophrenia rates in different countries

It has long been thought that schizophrenia has a better prognosis in countries in the developing world than in developed countries. Evidence has come from three World Health Organization (WHO) studies: the International Pilot Study of Schizophrenia, the Determinants of Outcome of Severe Mental Disorder study and the International Study of Schizophrenia. A review of research conducted outside the auspices of WHO looked at 23 studies of schizophrenia outcomes in 11 low- and middle- income countries. The study looked at clinical, disability and social outcomes and found little difference compared to more-developed countries. The researchers concluded that 'it is time to re-examine presumed wisdom about schizophrenia outcomes in low- and middle-income countries'

Cohen, Alex ... [et al] - Questioning an axiom: better prognosis for schizophrenia in the developing world? Schizophrenia Bulletin 34(2), 229-244