Characteristics of patients and patterns of psychiatric service use in ethnic minorities

The differential uptake of psychiatric services by ethnic minorities has been widely reported. Less attention has been given to comparisons of these patients and variations in the types of interventions they receive.

To assess whether for people accessing psychiatric services in the UK, differences exist across ethnic groups both in their sociodemographic characteristics and patterns of mental health care utilisation.

All adults resident in an inner city health district and using psychiatric services during a six-month period were identified. Demographic, clinical and service use data were collected from staff and records. These were compared across black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani, Irish and white ethnic groups for two broad diagnostic categories: psychotic/bipolar and depressive/neurotic disorders.

There were significant differences between ethnic groups on most demographic variables in each of the diagnostic categories. There were variations in the level of contact with different mental health professionals. The only significant difference in the use of specific services was for those with psychotic/bipolar disorders, black Caribbean patients being more likely to be detained in hospital compulsorily.

Ethnic diversity both in the characteristics of patients and their patterns of psychiatric care should be addressed when planning and developing services.