Background: The incidence of psychotic disorders varies in different geographical
areas (McGrath 2004). Recent data suggest that the incidence is
higher in males, migrant minorities and in urban areas. There aren\u2019t many
available epidemiological data on the incidence of psychotic disorders in
Italy. This is the first incidence study on psychotic disorders carried out in
Palermo, the capital of Sicily.
Methods: we screened all patients presenting with their first episode of
psychosis to the mental health services of our catchment area (5 inpatient,
5 outpatient units and 3 private psychiatric hospitals) over a period of
three years (2008-2011). The diagnosis of psychosis was defined using the
Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN Wing, J. K., et
al., 1990).The main socio-demographic data were collected using the MRC
Social Data Schedule. When subjects were not available (did not consent)
for interview, information was collected from clinical notes. The population
at risk referred to the people aged from 18-65 who were resident in
the same catchment area (Palermo Municipality) in the period considered,
according to the data of the Statistic Office of Palermo Municipality).
Results: we identified 216 patients affected by a first episode of psychosis
(FEP): 135 M (62.5%) and 81 F (37.5%), mean age 31.42 years (SD: 11.44).
77.1% of FEP had a diagnosis of non affective psychosis, 12.8% of affective
psychosis and 10.1% received a diagnosis of other psychosis. 204 subjects
were Caucasian, 12 non Caucasian belonging to various ethnicities and they
were all first generation migrants (4 Indian, 3 African, 2 Bangladeshi, and
3 Mixed). Population at risk is 425.194 people. The mean age of onset
was lower in men than women M: 29.98 years (SD: 10.41) vs. F: 34.28
(SD:12.64) (p=0.013)The incidence of psychotic disorders in our catchment
area is 16,9 per 100.000 person years. It was higher in men 21,9 per 100.000
than women 12,2 per 100.000.
Discussion: Our study is the first epidemiological study in Sicily investigating
the incidence of psychotic disorders. In our population men have a higher
incidence of psychotic disorders than women and an earlier age of onset
