Ninety-four Canadian-born psychiatric patients who committed suicide were compared with 23 foreign-born patients committing, suicide in Canada. East Europeans were over-repesented, and significant differences were found in the age distribution, stress, level of education, social isolation, and methods of suicide. Most foreign born patients had come to Canada for family or economic reasons but were unemployed, with poor social integration. Employment, housing, education, social integration and a support network seem to be important in preventing these deaths. Cultural evaluation of the patient and early intervention is recommended.

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education immigrant Europe human social isolation Life Change Events priority journal comparative study Aged Mental Disorders Cross-Sectional Studies mental patient sociology Adolescent male Canada Acculturation female stress Incidence Article major clinical study adult age Emigration and Immigration Suicide Middle Age