Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Age at migration and the risk of psychotic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
K K Anderson1,2,3, J Edwards1,3
1Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Objective:
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing evidence on the association between age at migration and the risk of psychotic disorders.
Methods:
Observational studies were eligible for inclusion if they presented data on the association between age at migration and the risk of psychotic disorders among first-generation migrant groups. We used two random effects meta-analyses to pool effect estimates for each stratum of age at migration relative to (i) a native-born reference category and (ii) the youngest age stratum (0 to 2 years).
Results:
Ten studies met inclusion criteria, and five were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of psychotic disorder among people who migrate prior to age 18 is nearly twice as high as the native-born population, with no evidence of effect modification by age strata. People who migrate during early adulthood (19 to 29 years) have a similar risk of psychotic disorder as the native-born population (IRR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.60, 1.44) and a lower risk relative to those who migrate during infancy (0 to 2 years) (IRR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.33, 1.04).
Conclusions:
Migrant status is one of few well-established risk factors for psychotic disorder, yet we have limited understanding of the underlying etiology. The findings of this review advance our understanding of this association and identify high-risk groups to target for intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Schizophrenia
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...

