title: Depression in Irish migrants living in London: case-control study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is evidence that Irish migrants in Britain have higher rates of depression and suicide than other minority ethnic groups.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the association between poorly planned migration and depression in Irish-born people living in London.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 360 Irish-born people was recruited from 11 general practices into a case-control study. Participants were interviewed using standardised measures, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We calculated the odds ratio for any association between depression and eight questions on preparation for migration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Poorly planned migration was associated with subsequent depression in Irish-born people living in London (OR=1.20, 95% CI1.06-1.35). The odds of depression were increased by a factor of 20% for each additional negative answer to eight questions on preparation for migration. Positive post-migration influences such as adequate social support protected some against depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Depression in Irish-born people living in London is associated with poorly planned migration. However, this effect can be modified by experiences following migration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Leavey
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Golden
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blizard
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000208:ethnology*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000208:ethnology; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000523:psychology*