The chronicity of schizophrenia in North West India. Results of a follow-up study.

The results of a follow-up study of schizophrenics attending a centre in North West India are reported. The relevant literature is reviewed. The results were compared with two well-known studies, one from the United Kingdom and the other from Mauritius. The evidence presented suggests that the course taken by schizophrenia in a newly-developed city and its neighbourhood in this part of India is similar to the one seen in the Western world. This study does not support the view that chronicity of schizophrenia in non-European, non-white populations is different, at least in an urban setting.