THE HAMPSTEAD SCHIZOPHRENIA SURVEY 1991 .1. PREVALENCE AND SERVICE USE COMPARISONS IN AN INNER LONDON HEALTH-AUTHORITY, 1986-1991

Background A point prevalence study of schizophrenia was carried out i n 1986 in the former Hampstead Health District using a key informant m ethod to identify cases. The point prevalence of broadly defined schiz ophrenia was 4.7 per 1000. Method A repeat census of people with schiz ophrenia, using the same method, was carried out in 1991 and the point prevalence calculated. The accuracy of the census method was estimate d. Contact with services, social and occupational activity, and medica tion usage in the 1986 and 1991 samples were compared. Results The poi nt prevalence rate of broadly defined schizophrenia in 1991 was 5.1 pe r 1000. The results of both censuses showed we underestimated the numb er of individuals with DSM-III-R positive schizophrenia by about 14%. The level of contact with specialist services was greater in 1991 than 1986. Patients in 1991 were discharged on higher doses of medication, and their most recent admission was more likely to be due to non-comp liance than the 1986 group. Conclusion The point prevalence confirmed the high rate reported in 1986, The accuracy of the census was within acceptable limits for service planning. Contact with specialist servic es increased between 1986 and 1991.