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Season of Birth: Schizophernia and Bipolar Disorder

Season of Birth: Schizophernia and Bipolar Disorder Abstract Studies investigating the association between the risk of schizophrenia and season of birth are reviewed and the association clearly established. This association cannot be explained on the basis of age-incidence or age-prevalence artifacts. Other studies suggest there may be an association between bipolar disorder and season of birth. The leading theory in explaining the season of birth phenomenon is that a seasonal factor (such as viral infection, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, prenatal or obstetrical complications, or ambient temperature) can damage an infant's brain and thereby predispose the child to later development of psychosis. Evidence suggests that the seasonal effect is associated with a subgroup of schizophrenics who have early onset of psychosis, less genetic loading than other schizophrenics, and better prognosis. Case–control studies are needed comparing winter-born to nonwinter-born schizophrenics. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Schizophrenia Bulletin Oxford University Press

Season of Birth: Schizophernia and Bipolar Disorder

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References (52)

Publisher
Oxford University Press
Copyright
© Oxford University Press
ISSN
0586-7614
eISSN
1745-1701
DOI
10.1093/schbul/12.2.173
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Abstract Studies investigating the association between the risk of schizophrenia and season of birth are reviewed and the association clearly established. This association cannot be explained on the basis of age-incidence or age-prevalence artifacts. Other studies suggest there may be an association between bipolar disorder and season of birth. The leading theory in explaining the season of birth phenomenon is that a seasonal factor (such as viral infection, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, prenatal or obstetrical complications, or ambient temperature) can damage an infant's brain and thereby predispose the child to later development of psychosis. Evidence suggests that the seasonal effect is associated with a subgroup of schizophrenics who have early onset of psychosis, less genetic loading than other schizophrenics, and better prognosis. Case–control studies are needed comparing winter-born to nonwinter-born schizophrenics. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press

Journal

Schizophrenia Bulletin – Oxford University Press

Published: Jan 1, 1986

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