Black Ethnic Groups in England 3× More Likely to Have Schizophrenia and Severe Mental Illness: UK Official Data Reveals
Lagos, Nigeria – 14 April 2026 – New official figures from the UK government show Black ethnic groups in England have significantly higher rates of severe mental illness (SMI) than other groups.
The data, released earlier this month by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), mark the first time model-based estimates of SMI have been published with detailed ethnic breakdowns. They are drawn from primary care records of more than 12 million people and adjusted using 2021 Census data.
What the figures show
The overall prevalence of severe mental illness among people aged 14 and over in England is 1.16%. Within this, Black ethnic groups record the highest rate at 1.95% – more than double the rate for Asian (0.82%) and Other (0.84%) groups.
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Schizophrenia stands out sharply. The prevalence among Black ethnic groups is 0.98%, around three times higher than in White (0.36%), Asian (0.34%) and Other (0.28%) groups. Other psychosis is also highest in Black communities at 0.70%. By contrast, bipolar disorder is most common in White groups (0.46%).
These are treated prevalence figures – they reflect people already in contact with primary care services.
Why this matters for nursing practice
As frontline nurses, we see the human cost of these inequalities every day. People with SMI already face a 15–20 year reduction in life expectancy. When rates are three times higher in one community, the pressure on families, services and African diaspora nurses working in the NHS becomes even greater.
The data also show strong links with deprivation: SMI prevalence reaches 1.85% in the most deprived areas compared with 0.73% in the least deprived. Urban and northern regions record higher rates overall.
Expert analysis: Root causes and nursing response
These patterns are not new, but the granular official breakdown strengthens the case for action. Long-standing research has pointed to higher risks of psychosis among Black African and Black Caribbean populations, often linked to experiences of migration stress, discrimination and socio-economic disadvantage.
For Fellow Nurses Africa Community – many of whom deliver mental health care in the UK and support families across the continent, this is a clear call for culturally competent practice.
We must:
- Integrate routine mental health screening in primary and community care, especially for Black African and Caribbean patients
- Champion training that addresses how racism, deprivation and migration affect mental health
- Lead stigma-reduction campaigns that encourage early help-seeking without shame
“These statistics confirm what many of us observe in practice,” said a spokesperson for Fellow Nurses Africa. “They give us the evidence we need to push for equitable services that truly meet the needs of Black communities.”
Limitations of the data
The figures come from treated cases in primary care and may under-estimate the true burden. They do not capture undiagnosed illness, people not registered with GPs, or those experiencing barriers to care. The report itself stresses they should guide service planning rather than be treated as exact counts.
What happens next
The full report, data tables are live on GOV.UK. Mental health is everyone’s business. African nurses have a vital role to play in turning data into dignity and better outcomes for Black communities in the UK and beyond.
Source: Full report available at gov.uk.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
Charles Wealth is an accomplished healthcare administrator with decades of hands-on experience across various healthcare organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to healthcare management, policy, and professional development.
As a co-founder and Editor at Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a pivotal role in shaping content that educates, inspires, and unites nurses across the continent. His editorial vision focuses on amplifying the voices of nurses, highlighting best practices, addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, and promoting professional growth within the nursing community.
With a strong background in healthcare administration, Charles is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective leadership. He continues to contribute significantly to the development of robust healthcare systems and the empowerment of nurses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.
