Migration, perceived discrimination and the development of psychosis

Introduction Migration is a rapidly growing phenomenon in European countries and its association with psychotic disorders public health concern. Psychosis more prevalent among migrants, which suggests that adverse social experiences play an important role pathogenesis. Throughout the migration process, migrants are exposed to several disadvantages, including post-immigration context, where perceived discrimination appears be stressor. In fact, highest incidence rates of psychosis occur most discriminated populations, namely darker skin complexion, particularly when living low-ethnic-density neighborhoods, both isolation prominent. Objectives To conduct updated review about between migration, psychosis, aiming better understand mechanisms involved. Methods Narrative literature using keywords “migration”; “psychosis”; “discrimination”; “racism” on PubMed database, conjunction presentation clinical case concerning patient from Guinea-Bissau, admitted our hospital context first-episode (FEP), onset months after completing Mediterranean route Europe. Results Literature racism exclusion contribute feelings imminent danger, fear general anxiety, may develop into paranoid ideas ubiquitous persecution. Furthermore, intense defeat experiences, common associated distressing forms delusional content, delusions psychological persecution being common. However, there also evidence FEP have occupational functioning profiles compared natives, suggesting that, these patients, higher burden social-environmental risk factors, occurring only this overcomes threshold. Our fits description. After his migratory while Italian refugee camp, he described suffering severe discrimination. Real or not, escalated become involving governments, thought seek for humiliation. Despite presence symptoms, was able maintain reasonable level during years, up psychiatric admission. Conclusions Given notorious effect increased immigrants, it urgent adopt policies promote protection vulnerable groups, through enhancing their integration host countries. Disclosure Interest None Declared