Impact of ethnicity on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among migrants in germany

Objectives. Studies on psychiatric disorders among migrants have described higher rates, especially of schizophrenia. Some evidence points to the possibility of misdiagno‐sis for this higher rate; other studies point to the underrepresentation of migrants in psychiatric services, leading to artefactual epidemiological data.

Methods. All admission records of migrants to a psychiatric clinic from 1993 to 1995 were assessed for diagnosis, symptomatology and treatment.

Results. Admissions of 408 migrants, 8.1 % of total admissions, were assessed. Of these, 38.7% received a diagnosis of a schizophrenic disorder, significantly more than the other clinic patients. The mean age at admission was 34.0 years, at onset of illness 28.6 years and at time of migration 20.4 years. Only 8.3% were mentally ill at the time of migration. Language problems correlated with the diagnosis of a schizophrenic disorder.

Conclusion. An underrepresentation of migrants shows differences in the use of psychiatric services. Some evidence from the mental status and reported language problems may explain the higher rate of schizophrenia due to misdiagnosis.