Ethnic differences in risk of acute compulsory admission in Amsterdam, 1996-2005

Several European studies have shown that migrants from non-western countries are at increased risk of psychotic disorders. This study examines how this is reflected in the risk of acute compulsory admission (ACA).

Information on all patients with an ACA in Amsterdam from 1996 to 2005 was linked to the Amsterdam municipal register.

The incidence of first ACA in Amsterdam was 4.5 per 10,000 person years. The incidence risk of ACA for any psychiatric disorders and for psychotic disorders in particular showed a 2- to 3-fold increase in almost all migrant groups from non-western countries, and especially for second-generation migrants. In addition, all non-western migrant groups were at increased risk of being assessed as posing a danger to others.

The relative risk of ACA for psychotic disorders was similar to that for the incidence of psychotic disorders in most ethnic groups from other studies, suggesting that the increased risk of ACA in non-western migrants can mainly be explained by the increased incidence of psychotic disorders in these groups. However, the relative risk of ACA for psychotic disorders among Moroccan migrants was lower than expected on the basis of incidence studies, which suggests that additional factors are relevant, such as illness-related expression and access to and quality of care.