EFFECTS OF LEVEL OF SOCIOECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT ON COURSE OF NONAFFECTIVE PSYCHOSIS

Background This study explored the relation of level of socio-economic development to the course of non-affective psychosis, by extending th e analysis of urban/rural differences in course in Chandigarh, India. Method The proportion of 'best outcome' cases between urban (n=110) an d rural (n=50) catchment areas were compared at two-year follow-up, se parately for CATEGO S+ and non-S+ schizophrenia. Results The proportio n of subjects with 'best outcome' ratings at the urban and rural sites , respectively, was similar for CATEGO S+ schizophrenia (29 v. 29%), b ut significantly different for non-S+ psychosis (26 v.47%). Conclusion s The fact that in rural Chandigarh, psychoses have a more favourable course than in the urban area may be explained in large part by psycho ses distinct from 'nuclear' schizophrenia.