Management of first episode psychotic illness in Afro-Caribbean patients.
We studied retrospectively a consecutive series of 40 Afro-Caribbean patients and compared them with 40 non-Caribbean patients matched for age, sex, and diagnosis. There was no overall difference in initial or cumulative doses of neuroleptic medication in the early treatment of psychosis. However, a small subgroup of Afro-Caribbean patients received higher peak dosages. Clearly recorded episodes of behavioural disturbances were more frequent in Afro-Caribbean patients generally. They were more likely to be admitted compulsorily, discharged earlier, and prescribed depot medication.
Chen
E Y
EY
Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge.
Harrison
G
G
Standen
P J
PJ
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D044383:Black People; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D014900:West Indies / Q000208:ethnology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations