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Ethnicity and outcome of psychosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Nicky Goater*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London
Michael King
Affiliation:
The Bethlem and Maudsley NHS Trust, Denmark Hill, London
Eleanor Cole
Affiliation:
Haringey Community Healthcare Trust, St Ann's Hospital, London
Gerard Leavey
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London
Eric Johnson-Sabine
Affiliation:
Haringey Community Healthcare Trust, St Ann's Hospital, London
Robert Blizard
Affiliation:
Haringey Community Healthcare Trust, St Ann's Hospital, London
Amanda Hoar
Affiliation:
Haringey Community Healthcare Trust, St Ann's Hospital, London
*
Professor Michael King, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF

Abstract

Background

An excess of psychotic illness in Black people has been found in cross-sectional studies. Little is known about the outcome of psychosis in different ethnic groups in the UK.

Aims

To compare the incidence, nature and long-term outcome of psychosis in different ethnic groups.

Method

A five-year, prospective study of an epidemiological cohort of people with a first contact for psychosis.

Results

Age-standardised incidence rates for schizophrenia and non-affective psychosis were higher for Black and Asian people than Whites. Stability of diagnosis and course of illness were similar in all ethnic groups. During the fifth year, Black people were more likely than others to be detained, brought to hospital by the police and given emergency injections.

Conclusions

The nature and outcome of psychotic illness is similar in all ethnic groups but Black people experience more adverse contacts with services later in the course of illness.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest

The study was funded by the Department of Health.

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