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The Dutch famine and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
H W Hoek1, A S Brown, E Susser
1The Hague Psychiatric Institute, The Netherlands. hwhoek@worldonline.nl
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|August 26, 1998
Summary
The Dutch Hunger Winter famine was linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Prenatal famine exposure increased risks for congenital central nervous system anomalies, schizophrenia, and related personality disorders, especially in males born during peak famine.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The Dutch Hunger Winter (1944-1945) provided a unique natural experiment to study famine's long-term health effects.
- Comprehensive historical records allowed for detailed analysis of prenatal exposure and subsequent health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prenatal famine exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- To determine if micronutrient deficiencies during gestation contribute to schizophrenia and related disorders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of birth cohorts exposed and unexposed to prenatal famine during the Dutch Hunger Winter.
- Comparison of incidence rates for neurodevelopmental disorders in adulthood.
Main Results:
- Early prenatal famine exposure was robustly associated with congenital central nervous system anomalies.
- A significant increase in schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum personality disorders was observed in individuals exposed to famine prenatally.
- Males born in December 1945, conceived during peak famine, showed the highest risk increase for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (RR=2.7).
Conclusions:
- Prenatal micronutrient deficiencies during severe famine can impact neurodevelopment.
- Famine exposure in early gestation is a risk factor for schizophrenia and related disorders.
- Findings offer insights into the etiology of schizophrenia and highlight the importance of nutritional status during pregnancy.