Psychiatrische Praxis
Volume 34, Issue 7, 2007, Pages 354-356

Migration as a burdening factor for schizoaffective relapse [Migration als belastungsfaktor einer schizoaffektiven störung] (Article)

Balkau F. , Juckel G. , Assion H.-J.*
  • a LWL-Klinik Bochum, Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Präventivmedizin, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
  • b LWL-Klinik Bochum, Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Präventivmedizin, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
  • c LWL-Klinik Bochum, Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Präventivmedizin, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany, LWL-Klinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Präventivmedizin, Alexandrinenstraße 1, 44791 Bochum, Germany

Abstract

Objective: Migrants do not always realize the burden of migration. Earlier negative personal experiences may gain relevance later in life, even in a new cultural or life context. This case report gives an example of different relevant factors, e.g. culture and living conditions, for the course of mental illness. Methods: We report on a female Brazilian patient, aged 37, suffering from schizoaffective psychosis with recurrent episodes. Obviously, stressful life events, the difficult relationship to her father and the expectations of her family were the trigger for psychotic episodes. Results: The process and background of migration has to be considered to better understand the patient's situation and to optimize treatment. Biological, personal, cultural and life experiences are relevant aspects for relapse prevention. Conclusions: Migrants may be confronted with disadvantages resulting from cultural and communicative difficulties as an additive burden. Support from complementary health care is necessary to prevent further social isolation. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

Author Keywords

Transcultural psychiatry Crosscultural psychiatry Migration Schizoaffective disorder

Index Keywords

personal experience Germany human Life Change Events Ethnic Groups controlled study relapse mental disease disease course Humans Emigrants and Immigrants case report Acculturation female Psychotic Disorders Risk Factors patient assessment cultural factor schizoaffective psychosis Recurrence Article adult Social Environment migration Brazil Multilingualism
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-35648950625&doi=10.1055%2fs-2007-971006&partnerID=40&md5=c7e9f17c51b1ed92c0b3255e5a978468
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-971006
ISSN: 03034259
Cited by: 1
Original Language: German