At issue: is household crowding a risk factor for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder?
Five studies have reported that being born or raised in an urban area is a risk factor for developing psychosis later in life. The authors hypothesize that increased exposure to infectious agents through household crowding might account for this association.
Torrey
E F
EF
Stanley Foundation Research Programs, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Yolken
R H
RH
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003441:Crowding / Q000523:psychology; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000635:transmission; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*