[Occurrence and management of psychiatric pathology in travelers]

The relationship between mental disorders and travel are complex and multiple. Several clinical patterns can be distinguished. Travel is a key feature in the symptomatology of some psychiatric illnesses. Psychiatric manifestations can be induced by local living conditions in subjects with declared mental illness. Disorders can occur during travel in subjects with no previous history of mental illness. Most subjects have a previous history of mental illness prior to leaving France. Attending physicians should warn patients of the possible risks of traveling and advise them concerning prevention and management. The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between travel and mental illness and to discuss practical measures for management and medical evacuation.