Members of the lower socio-economic groups are much more likely than those of the higher socio-economic groups to be diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia. Some psychologists have explained this relationship in terms of social class, as in most cases, the people who live in deprived inner-city areas, tend to belong to the lowest social classes. A study that took place in Sweden (Hjem et al., 2000) showed ‘social adversity’ in childhood related to the development of SZ in later life. These pressures are linked to being in a lower social class and the related stress. Features of the environment that might affect the development of SZ are: social deprivation, poverty, social isolation, unemployment, high population density, poor housing, high levels of crime and drug use and separation from parents as a child. These factors may cause high levels of psychological stress leading to a schizophrenic breakdown in those who are vulnerable.