Management of first episode psychotic illness in Afro-Caribbean patients

Br J Psychiatry. 1991 Apr:158:517-22. doi: 10.1192/bjp.158.4.517.

Abstract

We studied retrospectively a consecutive series of 40 Afro-Caribbean patients and compared them with 40 non-Caribbean patients matched for age, sex, and diagnosis. There was no overall difference in initial or cumulative doses of neuroleptic medication in the early treatment of psychosis. However, a small subgroup of Afro-Caribbean patients received higher peak dosages. Clearly recorded episodes of behavioural disturbances were more frequent in Afro-Caribbean patients generally. They were more likely to be admitted compulsorily, discharged earlier, and prescribed depot medication.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Black People
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • England
  • Female
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Psychotic Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / rehabilitation*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Environment
  • West Indies / ethnology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Delayed-Action Preparations