Rise in Psychosis Rates Among Younger Ontarians, 2026 Study Claims

Younger Ontarians are being diagnosed with psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, more often, according to a major study.

The findings, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on Feb. 2, 2026, looked at roughly 30 years of medical data — 1960 to 2009.

Researchers noted a significant increase in the 14-20 age group. The rate in the ’90s was 62.5 per 100,000 people and rose to nearly 100 cases per 100,000 by the end of the study.

“This is a crisis,” Sarah Brandigampola, a staff psychiatrist at The Ottawa Hospital, told CBC News.

“We know that if we can get [Ontarians] into effective treatment early, we can really dramatically change their life.”

The study’s lead authors noted that other countries, including Denmark and Australia, have also reported a similar trend among young individuals.

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Disability Benefits for Mental Health Disorders in Ontario

Mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

For Ontarians who can’t work, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving mental health disorders — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

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• Medical Conditions that Qualify for Disability in Canada
• Denied LTD? Seek Legal Advice Before Appealing the Decision
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📺 WATCH: Next Steps for Canadians After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied in Ontario? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevented you from accessing disability benefits for schizophrenia or another medical condition, connect with an experienced Ontario disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims across the province.

We’ve helped thousands of Ontarians, including Julie Austin and Sandra Bullock, secure the compensation they’re owed.

Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.