Occupation and first episode psychosis in Northern Italy: better outcomes for migrants

Early Interv Psychiatry. 2017 Dec;11(6):522-525. doi: 10.1111/eip.12325. Epub 2016 Mar 19.

Abstract

Aims: Many studies show that migrants have a higher incidence of psychosis compared to natives, but the influence of migration on psychosis outcomes is little investigated. We aimed to evaluate the occupational outcomes of a first episode psychosis (FEP) sample in Bologna (Northern Italy).

Methods: An incidence cohort of FEP patients presenting at the Bologna West Community Mental Health Centers between 2002 and 2009 was assessed at the baseline and at 12th month follow-up. Return to school or work was used as occupational outcome.

Results: Most of the patients (82.8%) were still in contact at 12 months. Migrants showed significantly higher rate of return to work compared to natives (adjusted OR 4.45, 95% CI 1.55-12.76).

Conclusions: First generation migrants had better occupational outcomes. Further cross-cultural studies are needed to further explain these findings.

Keywords: First episode psychosis; migrants; occupational outcomes; psychosis course.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Occupations / statistics & numerical data*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology*
  • Transients and Migrants / psychology*
  • Transients and Migrants / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult