Outcome of mental illness following repatriation: a predictive study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Migration Studies
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Repatriation of migrant patients experiencing psychosis to their home countries is a debated practice.
• Western industrialized nations are often contrasted with socio-culturally different environments like Jamaica regarding psychosis recovery rates.
• Previous studies on repatriation's impact on psychosis outcomes have yielded mixed results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors predicting the outcome of psychotic mental illness in patients repatriated from England to Jamaica.
• To identify specific indices that may indicate a poor prognosis for repatriated psychotic patients.

Main Methods:

• A field survey was conducted among 55 migrant patients repatriated to Jamaica after experiencing psychosis in England.
• Data collected included indices of chronicity, employment history, socio-economic factors, family attitudes, diagnosis, family history, and intelligence.
• Statistical analysis was used to determine associations between these factors and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• A poor outcome was observed in 32 out of 55 patients.
• Indices predicting a poor outcome included chronicity, a history of poor employment in England, socio-economic hardship in Jamaica, and negative attitudes of accommodating relatives.
• Interestingly, evidence of adequate intelligence was also associated with a poor outcome, while diagnosis and family history of psychosis were not significant predictors.

Conclusions:

• Repatriation to Jamaica does not guarantee a positive outcome for psychotic migrant patients.
• Specific factors such as chronicity, socio-economic conditions, and even intelligence levels are crucial in predicting patient outcomes.
• These findings highlight the need for nuanced assessment and individualized care planning for repatriated patients.