Incidence of first-contact psychosis in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

BackgroundLittle is known about the incidence of first-episode psychosis in urban centres of low- or middle-income countriesAimsTo estimate the incidence of psychosis in São Paulo, a large metropolis of BrazilMethodProspective 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 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 dataResultsThere 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 malesConclusionsIncidence of psychosis in São Paulo was lower than expected for a large metropolis