The Canadian Network for Research in Schizophrenia and Psychoses: A Nationally Focused Approach to Psychosis and Schizophrenia Research

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders affect approximately 4% of the population (more than 1.5 million Canadians) and indirectly affect many more family members, friends and other supporters [1] [2]. Schizophrenia rates among the world’s top ten causes of disability-adjusted life-years [3], with most psychosocial deterioration in schizophrenia occurring in the first five years of onset, if not sooner. Since the age of onset of psychosis occurs in late adolescence or early adult years it has the potential to negatively affect the lives of many young Canadians, during a developmental window when they are developing the life skills and experiences needed for independent living. Due to the potential severity of the illness and chronicity starting at an early age, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders have significant direct and indirect costs in terms of treatment, but also related to unemployment, suicide (5% rate [4]), physical illnesses, and overall reduced life expectancy (in 2004 alone, 374 Canadians died prematurely from schizophrenia [5]). In Canada the cost of schizophrenia has been estimated to be up to 10 billion dollars annually (from 7 billion in 2004 [5]). Ultimately, the personal, family and societal cost/burden of schizophrenia is significant. A Canadian report on the hypothetical impact of affecting the causes of schizophrenia by as little as 10% (for e.g. by targeting obstetric complications or environmental risk factors such as cannabis use), as well as improving remission by only 10% (by improving protective factors via treatment – see [6]), suggested that more than 12 000 Canadians who would otherwise have schizophrenia would be illness-free within less than 10 years [7]. Such impacts can only be achieved with quality Canadian research in the field.