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