Effects of level of socio-economic development on course of non- affective psychosis

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