asked the Minister for Health the overall incidence of schizophrenia in this country; how this compares with the figures in Britain; and the research being carried out by his Department on the extent and problems of this disease.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Schizophrenia.
1.
There are no figures to show the overall incidence of schizophrenia in this country, nor am I aware of such figures for any country.
There is a high hospitalisation rate in this country for schizophrenia, much higher than for Britain. This does not necessarily indicate a proportionately higher incidence of the disease here. There is similarly a high hospitalisation rate for other forms of mental illness and there are several factors which may have a bearing on the hospitalisation rate.
I have arranged with the Medico-Social Research Board for an investigation to determine whether the incidence and prevalence of hospitalised psychiatric illness in Ireland reflects a high morbidity of psychiatric illness in the Irish community and, if so, to attempt to identify the factors which determine this high morbidity.
Could the Minister say how long this will take? Has the Minister any indication?
I do not know.
Would the Minister be aware of any examples of political schizophrenia?
There is plenty of that.