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First Episode Psychosis After Recent Mid-life Emigration From Afghanistan: A Case Report
Hannah Lynch1, Salonee Shah2, Matthew Majeske3
1Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West Psychiatry Residency, New York, NY.
Journal of Psychiatric Practice
|September 15, 2025
Summary
Immigrants with trauma history face higher psychosis risk. This case report shows an Afghan refugee with psychosis responding well to long-acting injectable antipsychotics.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Immigration is a risk factor for psychotic disorders, particularly for those with trauma exposure.
- Recent global instability has increased refugee populations, including Afghans with high trauma rates.
- Afghan refugees experience psychotic symptoms but are least likely to use antipsychotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the presentation of psychosis in an Afghan immigrant post-migration and trauma.
- To discuss treatment outcomes in a vulnerable refugee population.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an Afghan immigrant presenting with a first episode of psychosis.
- Treatment with a long-acting injectable antipsychotic.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced a first episode of psychosis following mid-life migration and war trauma.
- The patient responded well to long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Long-acting injectable antipsychotics can be effective for psychosis in refugee populations.
- Addressing psychosis in traumatized immigrant groups, like Afghan refugees, is crucial.
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