Question

Which one of the following is not true regarding schizophrenia?

A. Lifetime prevalence is about 1%
B. Prevalence is greater in rural than in urban areas
C. The male-to-female ratio is 1:1
D. Onset is rare before age 10 years or after age 40 years
E. There is a higher incidence of the disease in babies born in winter and early spring

Answer 1

The false statement regarding schizophrenia is that its prevalence is greater in rural than in urban areas. Schizophrenia generally shows a 1% lifetime prevalence, a 1:1 male-to-female ratio, rare onset before age 10 or after age 40, and a higher incidence in those born in winter and early spring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement which is not true regarding schizophrenia is B. Prevalence is greater in rural than in urban areas. Schizophrenia has some well-researched epidemiological trends:

• Lifetime prevalence is about 1%.
• The male-to-female ratio is roughly 1:1.
• Onset is rare before age 10 years or after age 40 years.
• There is a higher incidence of the disease in babies born in winter and early spring.

Studies have shown that schizophrenia prevalence can be greater in urban areas, possibly due to factors like social fragmentation and environmental stressors which are more prevalent in such settings. Data does not support a higher prevalence in rural areas. Moreover, both genetic and environmental factors, including family environment, play a role in the risk of developing schizophrenia. For example, research indicated that adoptees with high genetic risk (biological mothers who had schizophrenia) were more likely to develop schizophrenia if raised in a disturbed family environment.