Abstract
Question Are adults with higher genetic risk for schizophrenia more likely to live in urbanized and populated areas than those with lower risk?
Findings In this cross-sectional study of 4 community-based samples from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, significantly higher genetic loading for schizophrenia was identified in participants living in more densely populated areas; mendelian randomization on a subsample suggests that schizophrenia may have a causal association with the tendency to live in urban areas.
Meaning The higher rates of schizophrenia in cities may be accentuated by selective migration to cities of participants with higher genetic risks.
Findings In this cross-sectional study of 4 community-based samples from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, significantly higher genetic loading for schizophrenia was identified in participants living in more densely populated areas; mendelian randomization on a subsample suggests that schizophrenia may have a causal association with the tendency to live in urban areas.
Meaning The higher rates of schizophrenia in cities may be accentuated by selective migration to cities of participants with higher genetic risks.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 901-910 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | JAMA Psychiatry |
Volume | 75 |
Issue number | 9 |
Early online date | 23 Jun 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Results of the study were presented at the 39th Annual Society for Mental Health Research Conference; December 6, 2017; Canberra, Australia.This paper was presented at the 48th Behavior Genetics Annual Meeting; June 23, 2018; Boston, Massachusetts.
Research programs
- ESSB SOC