[Are compulsory admissions more frequent in immigrants and ethnic minorities?].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the frequency of compulsory admissions to psychiatric hospitals in immigrants and members of ethnic minorities compared to German patients.


METHODS
The rates and quotas of compulsory admissions were assessed in the city of Frankfurt / Main during one year (2005). The data were compared to the epidemiological data of the inhabitants of the catchment area of the clinic (control group).


RESULTS
The findings show a lower rate of admission to the psychiatric hospital in immigrants and members of ethnic minorities. The QUOTA of compulsory admissions compared to the total rate of admissions to the psychiatric hospital was higher in immigrants and members of ethnic minorities. The RATE of compulsory admissions out of 100 000 population in immigrants and members of ethnic minorities was similar to the rate of compulsory admissions in German population.


CONCLUSIONS
Although some methodological limitations exist the findings are in line with results from other European and non-European countries.
Grube
Michael
M
Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie-Psychosomatik, Städtische Kliniken Frankfurt a. M.-Höchst. michael.grube@skfh.de
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult