People who migrate during adolescence are at an increased risk of developing psychosis, according to new research. The study highlights that this risk is particularly pronounced among black and North African individuals, suggesting that the age at which migration occurs could play a critical role in mental health outcomes.
Previous research had pointed to migration as a potential factor in the heightened risk of psychosis among ethnic minorities. However, this study emphasizes adolescence as a vulnerable period. James Kirkbride, a professor of psychiatric and social epidemiology at University College London (UCL) and co-author of the study, explained that adolescence is a time of significant social, cognitive, and neurological development.
“Migrating during adolescence, which disrupts social network formation and may require learning new languages and navigating different cultural norms, could expose adolescents to new social environments—including racism and discrimination—which are all linked to an increased risk of psychosis,” said Kirkbride.
The study, published in the journal PLOS Mental Health, analyzed data from 2,132 individuals aged 18-64 in England, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Among this group, 937 participants had experienced their first episode of a psychotic disorder. Many had migrated during adolescence, and most migrated for economic reasons rather than asylum.
After accounting for various factors such as ethnicity, social disadvantage, and family history of psychosis, the research team found that individuals who migrated between the ages of 11 and 17 had nearly twice the risk of developing psychosis compared to white people who had not migrated. Notably, the increased risk was not observed in those who migrated during infancy, early childhood, or adulthood.
Further analysis revealed that the heightened risk of psychosis during adolescence was significant only among black and North African migrants. Though the size of these groups was relatively small in the study, the risk of psychosis was at least two to three times higher for these populations than for white non-migrants.
The study also found that black people of all ages and non-migrants from black or mixed ethnic backgrounds were at greater risk of psychosis compared to white non-migrants. However, no similar increased risk was found for white or Asian migrants.
Humma Andleeb, the study’s lead author and a researcher at UCL, noted that white migrants are not typically considered visible minorities in Europe, which may explain why they do not face the same disadvantages. She explained that white migrants might also be more likely to migrate within Europe, where they face fewer challenges both before and after migration.
Despite its significant findings, the study has limitations. It does not establish cause and effect, does not track participants over time, and has small sample sizes for some groups. More research is needed to better understand why adolescents who migrate are at greater risk of psychosis.
Kirkbride stressed the importance of supporting adolescent migrants with mental health resources and helping them integrate into their new environments to prevent serious mental health issues.
Dr. Adam Coutts of the University of Cambridge, who was not involved in the study, pointed out that asylum seekers face even greater challenges due to insecurity and lack of access to services, further exacerbating mental health risks. He emphasized that the findings highlight the need for improved mental health services for both migrants and local populations.
Dr. Gracia Fellmeth from the University of Oxford echoed these concerns, stating, “These findings underscore the urgent need to ensure that young migrants are provided with the care and support they need to succeed in their new environments.”
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