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Migration as a risk factor for schizophrenia: a Danish population-based cohort study
Elizabeth Cantor-Graae1, Carsten Bøcker Pedersen, Thomas F McNeil
1Lund University, Malmö, Sweden. elizabeth.cantor-graae@smi.mas.lu.se
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|February 4, 2003
Summary
Migration increases schizophrenia risk in immigrants and those with foreign residence history. This elevated risk is not fully explained by selection factors alone, suggesting other mechanisms may be involved.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Epidemiology
- Sociology of Mental Health
- Migration Studies
Background:
- Evidence suggests migration is a risk factor for schizophrenia.
- The underlying mechanisms linking migration and schizophrenia remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immigrant background as a risk factor for schizophrenia.
- To examine history of foreign residence as a risk factor for schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study using the Danish Civil Registration System.
- Included 2.14 million individuals residing in Denmark by age 15.
- Schizophrenia and parental psychiatric disorders identified via the Danish Psychiatric Case Register.
Main Results:
- First-generation immigrants had a 2.45-fold increased relative risk of schizophrenia.
- Second-generation immigrants had a 1.92-fold increased relative risk of schizophrenia.
- Danes with foreign residence history showed a 1.60-fold increased relative risk.
Conclusions:
- Migration is associated with an elevated risk of schizophrenia.
- This increased risk is not solely due to selection factors.
- The risk may be independent of foreign birth.