One study examined confirmed cases of schizophrenia and looked at their economic status to look for any relations. Researchers found that areas with high unemployment and inequality had more cases.

Economic Conditions and Schizophrenia rates

Research has also indicated that single-parent households are more likely to have children who will be diagnosed with the disease. Therefore, family environments seem to affect how the disease manifests itself.

Relationship between Schizophrenia and Family Life

Larger environmental trends also affect this condition. Food deserts, a lack of available healthcare, insufficient heating, and even air pollution were associated with a greater chance of schizophrenia diagnosis.

Urban Design/Environmental Factors and their Impact on Schizophrenia

One of the more obvious examples of epigenetic changes involves schizophrenia, a condition which appears to be more common in patients from lower-income backgrounds.

Michigan State University

One of the most common studies involving this topic involve studying how relative deprivation can alter health. Essentially, poverty can increase risk of mental health by altering gene expression.

Epigenetics and Socioeconomics

Bhavsar V, Boydell J, Murray R, Power P. Identifying aspects of neighbourhood deprivation associated with increased incidence of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Res. 2014 Jun;156(1):115-21. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.03.014. Epub 2014 Apr 14. PMID: 24731617.

Identifying aspects of neighbourhood deprivation associated with increased incidence of schizophrenia

Studies have found that children born in impoverished times and/or regions often have a significantly reduced birth weight. Conversely, infants of families in better conditions often weigh more.

Socioeconomic Stressors Effect on Infant Health

Interestingly enough, epigenetic changes can occur in environments that are not considered impoverished in the normal sense. Instead, families that are poorer compared to those around them can see worse health outcomes. This suggests that epigenetic changes may be as much psychological as it is physical.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After