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Management of First Episode Psychotic Illness in Afro-Caribbean Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Eric Y. H. Chen ,
Glynn Harrison  and
Penny J. Standen
Eric Y. H. Chen*
Affiliation:
Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge; formerly Registrar in Psychiatry, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham
Glynn Harrison
Affiliation:
Academic Department of Psychiatry, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham
Penny J. Standen
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham
*
∗Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, CB1 5EF
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Abstract

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 disturbance were more frequent in Afro-Caribbean patients generally. They were more likely to be admitted compulsorily, discharged earlier, and prescribed depot medication.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 158 , Issue 4 , April 1991 , pp. 517 - 522
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1991 

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