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The "winter born phenomenon" among schizophrenics: differences between blacks and whites
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Birth seasonality in schizophrenia shows significant racial differences. Black schizophrenic patients exhibit a winter birth peak, while white patients peak in the fall, suggesting subgroup-specific risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Birth seasonality is a known epidemiological factor in schizophrenia.
- Previous research indicates potential variations across different populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial differences in birth seasonality among individuals with schizophrenia.
- To identify specific seasonal birth patterns in black and white schizophrenic patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on birth seasonality in schizophrenia.
- Analysis of birth data for 724 schizophrenic patients.
- Log-linear analyses to compare seasonal birth patterns between racial groups.
Main Results:
- A highly significant difference in birth seasonality was found between black and white schizophrenic patients.
- Black schizophrenics showed a notable peak in winter births.
- White schizophrenics demonstrated a birth peak in the fall.
Conclusions:
- Specific subgroups of schizophrenic patients exhibit distinct seasonal birth patterns.
- Race-specific seasonal birth trends suggest unique etiological influences.
- Sociological and neurophysiological factors may contribute to these race-specific findings.