The authors review the goals, methods, sample, and selected
epidemiologic findings from a collaborative study of affective disorders
among the Amish. This culturally and genetically homogeneous population (N
= 12,500) constitutes an excellent research setting for psychiatric
epidemiologic and genetic study. Alcoholism, drug abuse, and sociopathy did
not complicate the study because they are culturally prohibited. During
1976-1980, 112 active cases of mental illness were identified; 71% received
diagnoses of major affective disorder. Equal numbers of men and women
received diagnoses of unipolar illness, and slightly more men than women
were diagnosed as having bipolar illness.Abstract Teaser