Psychosis in migrant and minority populations: prescriptions for scientific and social policy

Despite evidence implicating social determinants, Morgan & Hutchinson (2009) argue in their review that public health has failed to mount a policy-driven response to a seeming epidemic of psychosis in migrant and minority populations in the UK (Fearon et al. 2006), other European Union countries (CantorGraae & Selten, 2005), and in the USA (Bresnahan et al. 2007). According to the authors, the lack of policy initiatives directed specifically at reducing the high rates of psychosis in these populations is a public health tragedy. We agree that elevated rates of psychosis documented in these populations constitute an important health disparity that warrants action. Here we present further evidence to fortify their position and discuss policy considerations.

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