Psychiatric services for undocumented immigrants in the USA

Abstract

Background and aims:

Immigrating to the USA is extremely frequent. Migrants come from different countries and different levels of society and some of them carry some form of mental illness. Imperial County has one of the 6 detention centers for the undocumented in the nation. Since 1996 this center has had the same psychiatric consultant to provide services to the detainees. This study was conducted to have better understanding of the clinical and social issues of this population.

Methods:

Retrospective record review of all psychiatric consultations from 1996 to 2006. Statistical analysis with t-test and ANOVA.

Results:

A total of 2480 psychiatric cases were reviewed. The majority were from Latin America, especially from Mexico (p<0.001), followed by individuals from Asia including the Middle East and very few from Europe, Africa and Canada. The most common diagnoses included psychotic disorders (related and non-related to drug use) and bipolar disorders. Level of education was usually low, and over a third of the population had a criminal history. Remarkable differences were found on individuals who were subject to deportation after legally living 20 years or more in the country versus those who were detained while attempting to illegally enter the country.

Conclusions:

Migration from emergent to developed countries is common and controversial in our planet. In the USA this phenomenon is frequent and demands the concurrence of government, community, law enforcement and financial efforts. The debate as to what services should be provided to these individuals by the destination country must continue.