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Expatriate mental health
M F Foyle1, M D Beer, J P Watson
1Hur Manzil Psych. Centre, Lucknow, India.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|May 7, 1998
Summary
Expatriates experience high rates of affective and adjustment disorders. Key risk factors include prior psychological consultations, family history, and specific stressors like acculturation and occupational anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Psychiatry
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on expatriate mental health in medical and psychiatric literature.
- Expatriation presents unique psychological challenges and stressors.
- Understanding these challenges is crucial for supporting global workforce well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical aspects of expatriate mental health.
- To identify factors associated with affective and adjustment disorders in expatriates.
- To suggest practical applications for improving expatriate mental health.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical literature on expatriate mental health.
- Analysis of data from 397 expatriates examined during overseas service.
- Statistical correlation of specific stressors and personal/family history with mental health outcomes.
Main Results:
- High incidence of affective and adjustment disorders observed in the expatriate cohort.
- Affective disorders linked to prior psychological consultations, depressed mood history, and family history of suicide, psychosis, or personality disorder.
- Adjustment disorders correlated with occupational anxiety, home country anxieties, acculturation, and physical ill-health, but negatively with prior psychological consultations.
Conclusions:
- Expatriates are at significant risk for mental health issues, particularly affective and adjustment disorders.
- Identifying specific risk factors and stressors can inform targeted interventions.
- Practical strategies are needed to enhance mental health support for expatriates globally.