Studies examining comparative outcomes of schizophrenia in high-income
countries with those in low- and middle-income countries remain of interest
to researchers and may be of value in understanding some environmental
factors that influence the course and outcome of the disorder. The view that
the disorder has a better outcome in low- and middle-income countries
compared with high-income countries, even though widespread and supported by
a set of World Health Organization (WHO) studies, requires further testing
and exploration. Unfortunately, although not insurmountable, the obstacles
for such studies both in terms of implementation and interpretation are
considerable.