For some time researchers have noticed more instances of non-affective psychosis in urban populations than in rural groups. Now the American Medical Association has found "certain elements of city living raise the risk of developing schizophrenia."
"While it appears that genetics play a strong role in a person's risk for schizophrenia, environmental factors may play a role in whether the disease manifests itself," writes Lane Wallace.
The researchers wanted to find what it was about urban living that increased the risk. The factor that showed the strongest correlation was later termed "social fragmentation." "In very stable, homogeneous communities (often the case in more rural environments), the social norms and bonds are very consistent and strong. But in urban environments, where there tends to be much more diversity and movement within communities, social ties are often more fragmented. And that fragmentation is felt most among people who move often, or feel like "outsiders" in a particular community."
Dr. Stanley Zammit, who headed the study out of Cardiff University in Great Britain, emphasized that we should not draw too many conclusions from just one study and more research is needed. It is also important to bear in mind that while correlation is important it doesn't prove causality.
FULL STORY: Can Cities Make Us Crazy?
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
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Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
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