Incidence of first-contact psychosis in São Paulo, Brazil.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the incidence of first-episode psychosis in urban centres of low- or middle-income countries.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate the incidence of psychosis in São Paulo, a large metropolis of Brazil.


METHODS
Prospective survey of first-episode psychosis among residents aged 18-64 years resident in a defined area of São Paulo, over a 30-month period (July 20 2002-December 2004). Assessments were carried out with the SCID-I, and diagnoses given according to DSM-IV criteria. Population at risk was drawn from the 2000 Census data.


RESULTS
There were 367 first-episode cases identified (51% women), and almost 40% fulfilled criteria for schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder. The incidence rate for any psychosis was 15.8/100 000 person-years at risk (95% CI 14.3-17.6). Incidence of non-affective psychoses was higher among younger males.


CONCLUSIONS
Incidence of psychosis in São Paulo was lower than expected for a large metropolis.
Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Section of Epidemiology, University Hospital, University of São Paulo Medical School, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil, CEP 01246-903. pmenezes@usp.br
Paulo R
PR
Menezes
Marcia
M
Scazufca
Geraldo
G
Busatto
Letícia M S
LM
Coutinho
Philip K
PK
McGuire
Robin M
RM
Murray
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data