Psychosis in Indigenous populations of Cape York and the Torres Strait.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and characterise treated psychotic disorders in the Indigenous populations of Cape York and the Torres Strait.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis of patients with a psychotic disorder identified by treating psychiatrists.


METHODS
Indigenous patients aged≥15 years in Cape York and Torres Strait communities receiving treatment for a psychotic disorder over 3 months in 2010.


METHODS
Prevalence of psychosis diagnoses, intellectual disability, and substance use comorbidities.


RESULTS
171 patients were included. The prevalence rate in this population was 1.68%, higher for males (2.60%) than females (0.89%), and twice as high in the Aboriginal (2.05%) than in the Torres Strait Islander (0.95%) population. High rates of alcohol and cannabis use were found. Comorbid intellectual disability was common and more frequent among Aboriginal patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The burden of psychosis in the Indigenous population of Cape York and the Torres Strait is high. Further research is needed to understand the social determinants of these disorders and to design effective social and clinical measures to alleviate this burden.
Regional and Remote Mental Health Service, Queensland Health, Cairns, QLD. ernest_hunter@health.qld.gov.au
Ernest M
EM
Hunter
Bruce D
BD
Gynther
Carrick J
CJ
Anderson
Leigh-ann L
LA
Onnis
Jeffrey R
JR
Nelson
Wayne
W
Hall
Bernhard T
BT
Baune
Aaron R
AR
Groves
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000208:ethnology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000208:ethnology*; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000208:ethnology*; D055815:Young Adult