[Nonfatal suicidal acts in a group of psychiatric inpatients. Situation of Mediterranean immigrants]

Transcultural differences in suicide attempts among children and adolescents with and without migration background, a multicentre study: in Vienna, Berlin, Istanbul

While suicide can occur throughout the lifespan, worldwide suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged between 15 and 29 years. The aim of this multicentre study, conducted in Austria, Germany and Turkey, is to investigate the transcultural differences of suicide attempts among children and adolescents with and without migration background. The present study is a retrospective analyses of the records of 247 young people, who were admitted after a suicide attempt to Emergency Outpatient Clinics of Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the collaborating Universities including Medical University of Vienna, Charité University Medicine Berlin and Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine and Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Mental Health in Istanbul over a 3-year period. The results of the present study show significant transcultural differences between minors with and without migration background in regard to triggering reasons, method of suicide attempts and psychiatric diagnosis. The trigger event "intra-familial conflicts" and the use of "low-risk methods" for their suicide attempt were more frequent among patients with migration background. Moreover among native parents living in Vienna and Berlin divorce of parents were more frequent compared to parents living in Istanbul and migrants in Vienna. These results can be partly explained by cultural differences between migrants and host society. Also disadvantages in socio-economic situations of migrants and their poorer access to the healthcare system can mostly lead to acute and delayed treatments. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to understand better the impact of migration on the suicidal behaviour of young people.

[Psychiatric disorders associated with imminent deportation. Results of a retrospective study in a group of immigrants]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics of migrants facing imminent deportation in comparison with migrants with guaranteed residence status. The occurrence of psychoreactive disorders in both groups was examined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a case-control study 82 migrants recorded as inpatients facing imminent deportation were compared to a control group of 93 migrants with guaranteed residence status.

RESULTS

Migrants facing imminent deportation more frequently suffered from psychoreactive disorders, compared to migrants with guaranteed residence status. In this subgroup psychoreactive disorders were associated with reported traumatisations. Imminent deportation within the next month was associated with the diagnosis of psychoreactive disorder as well.

CONCLUSION

Psychoreactive disorders appeared more frequently in immigrant inpatients facing imminent deportation. Additionally a history of traumatisations is associated with the progression of psychoreactive disorders.