Racism and discrimination may be contributory factors in the development of schizophrenia, according to a study which suggests for the first time that social factors have a major effect on people from ethnic minority groups with a medical predisposition to mental illness.
A team at the Institute of Psychiatry in London found the rate of schizophrenia in non-white ethnic minorities was highest in those areas where this group comprised a small proportion of the population, and lowest where they made up a large population.
Scientists believe the higher rate of schizophrenia in such groups may be explained by increased exposure to, and reduced protection against, stress and life events, rather than something wrong with the brain
Professor Robin Murray of the Institute said that it appears that stress is being caused possibly by overt discrimination, institutionalized racism and perceived alienation and isolation.
The team carried out its research on 15 electoral wards in Camberwell, south London, which has a large Afro-Caribbean and African ethnic minority population.
According to Professor Murray: 'Schizophrenia is thought to have a biological component, but what is interesting in this study is that social factors have a huge effect.'
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