A major Canadian study indicates that people born in more recent decades are more likely to be diagnosed with psychotic disorders than earlier generations.
This includes conditions such as schizophrenia.
The researchers examined differences between birth cohorts rather than only tracking developments year by year.
The results show that the increase is particularly pronounced among people born from the 1980s onward. For many, the first diagnosis also occurs earlier in life.
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According to the researchers, this suggests that the trend is not solely due to improved record-keeping, but reflects real changes over time.
A large body of data
The study is published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. It is based on health data from 12.2 million people born in Ontario between 1960 and 2009.
In total, just over 152,000 individuals have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.
The researchers find that men continue to have a higher risk than women. At the same time, an association with social factors is observed.
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People with certain types of psychosis are more likely to live in low-income areas and to have previously had contact with psychiatric services or received treatment for substance use.
Possible causes and implications
According to lead author Daniel Myran, there is not yet a clear explanation for the trend. However, the researchers point to several possible factors.
These include higher parental age, social stressors, adverse experiences in childhood, and increased use of substances such as cannabis.
Similar trends have previously been observed in studies from Denmark and Australia. This suggests that the development is not unique to Canada.
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The researchers note that a rise in psychosis cases could have significant implications for healthcare systems, as many patients require long-term treatment and support.
Sources: Medical Xpress, and Canadian Medical Association Journal.
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