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Psychiatric Morbidity and Compulsory Admission Among UK-Born Europeans, Afro-Caribbeans and Asians in Central Manchester

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Christopher S. Thomas*
Affiliation:
University of Manchester, Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary (Withington Hospital, Manchester M20 8LR)
Kit Stone
Affiliation:
Hope Hospital, Manchester
Madeline Osborn
Affiliation:
Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary
Philip F. Thomas
Affiliation:
Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary
Mark Fisher
Affiliation:
Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary
*
Department of Psychiatry, Withington Hospital, Manchester M20 8LR

Abstract

Psychiatric admissions in Central Manchester of Europeans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Asians (within three age-bands) were studied over four years. Among the Afro-Caribbean group there were more single or unemployed persons than in either the Asian or European groups, which suggested greater socio-economic disadvantage. Rates for first admissions and readmissions among Afro-Caribbeans were greater; among Asians they were similar except for the 16–29-year age-group, who tended to have lower rates than Europeans. A higher proportion of Afro-Caribbeans and Asians were psychotic. In the Afro-Caribbean group, the raised rates of admission were largely attributable to increased rates of schizophrenia. The highest rate occurred in second-generation (UK-born) Afro-Caribbeans and was nine times that among Europeans. The police were more frequently involved in the admissions of Afro-Caribbeans compared with Europeans or Asians. Higher proportions of Afro-Caribbeans and Asians who were readmitted were detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, when compared with Europeans.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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