ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have established the basic clinical epidemiology of schizophrenia.1 For example, our research group has carried out a number of epidemiological studies of schizophrenia in Camberwell, south-east London, and have found that the incidence of narrowly defined schizophrenia was higher in males than females and that the age at onset of schizophrenia was earlier in men than women, echoing findings from other centres.1,2 We have also shown that the incidence of schizophrenia has doubled in Camberwell since 1964, although this increase may be idiosyncratic to south London.3 It may result at least in part from the influx of migrants to this area, as the incidence of schizophrenia is approximately six times higher among the Black African and African-Caribbean population in south London compared with the White population.4 These elevated incidence rates have not been reported in Caribbean countries and may involve complex biological, psychological and social factors.5
