British Journal of Psychiatry
Volume 178, Issue APR., 2001, Pages 367-372

Incidence of psychotic disorders in immigrant groups to the Netherlands (Article) (Open Access)

Selten J.-P.* , Veen N. , Feller W. , Blom J.D. , Schols D. , Camoenië W. , Oolders J. , Van der Velden M. , Hoek H.W. , Vladár Rivero V.M. , Van der Graaf Y. , Kahn R.
  • a Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • b Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • c Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • d Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • e Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • f Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • g Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • h Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • i Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • j Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • k Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands
  • l Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands

Abstract

Background: Previous reports on the incidence of schizophrenia in immigrant groups to The Netherlands were based on hospital data. Aims: To compare the incidence of psychotic disorders in the immigrant groups to that in natives. Method: Two-year first-contact incidence study in The Hague. Results: The risks of schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder (DSM-IV criteria) were increased for subjects born in Morocco (gender and age-adjusted relative risk=4.5; 95% C11.4-8.5), Surinam (relative risk=3.2; 1.8-5.7). The Netherlands Antilles (relative risk=2.9; 0.9-9.5) and other non-Western countries (relative risk=2.4; 1.3-4.7). This risk was also increased for Moroccans (relative risk=8.0; 2.6-24.5) and Surinamese (relative risk=5.5; 2.5-11.9) of the second generation. The risks for Turkish immigrants, first or second generation, and for immigrants from Western countries were not significantly increased. Conclusions: This study indicates that the incidence of schizophrenia is increased in several, but not all, immigrant groups to The Netherlands. It is possible that factors associated with a process of rapid westernisation precipitate schizophrenia in people who are genetically at risk. Declaration of interest: Supported by the Stanley Foundation.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Netherlands Netherlands Antilles immigrant schizophrenia human risk assessment psychosis Turkey (republic) Humans Suriname male female Psychotic Disorders Incidence Article major clinical study adult schizoidism Emigration and Immigration Transients and Migrants social class Morocco
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0035066507&doi=10.1192%2fbjp.178.4.367&partnerID=40&md5=65783e28787664084eb5ad664753d46e
DOI: 10.1192/bjp.178.4.367
ISSN: 00071250
Cited by: 214
Original Language: English