Culture and Schizophrenia: the DOSMD Challenge

Robert B. Edgerton, Alex Cohen
1994 British Journal of Psychiatry  
The World Health Organization's International Pilot Study on Schizophrenia (IPSS) and subsequent Determinants of Outcomes of Severe Mental Disorder (DOSMD) studies have reported that the course of schizophrenia is more favourable in 'developing' than 'developed' societies. The 1992 DOSMD study attributes this difference to culture. We review studies concerning the course of schizophrenia and conclude that the evidence for a more favourable course in developing societies is not conclusive.
more » ... , a favourable course has also been reported in various industrialised societies. We also raise questions about the findings reported in the recent DOSMD study, including the conclusion that the putatively more favourable course is a product of culture. Finally, we argue that longitudinal, direct observation of patients in their natural environments must be carried out before variations in the course of schizophrenia can be adequately understood.
doi:10.1192/bjp.164.2.222 pmid:8173825 fatcat:rcgnbiery5fmlawlpablf34aey