Migration and Psychosis: Specificity and Burden on the Mental Health System in Italy

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2020 Nov;208(11):908-911. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001215.

Abstract

In the last years, there has been a huge migratory flow to Italy. Migration is a risk factor for the development of psychopathology, especially psychosis and posttraumatic stress disorder. We aimed at investigating the burden and characteristics of psychotic features among immigrants in Lombardy, one of the most involved regions. A total of 7819 patients had at least one psychiatric appointment in 2013, 10.3% of them where immigrants. Patients from Africa showed a significant higher rate of psychosis, psychiatric onset, compulsory admissions, and number of professional appointments. Our result can confirm a cultural specificity of psychotic manifestations and their burden on the mental health system.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cost of Illness
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult