Mental health of elderly Asians in the UK

Elderly Asians constitute a small proportion of the population compared to elderly whites [corrected], but this is growing rapidly. They share many of the disadvantages of the white elderly, as well as being non-white and alien. Many elderly Asians have now accepted that they will stay in the UK for good, which may contribute to increased stability in their mental health.

Mental health, race and ethnicity: a retrospective study of the care of ethnic minorities and whites in a psychiatric unit

A retrospective case-note study of 152 discharged psychiatric patients (77 subjects of ethnic minority origin and 75 whites) examined for details of follow-up arrangements on discharge, compliance rate with out-patient appointments and details on length of stay, status on admission, employment status, record of illicit drug taking and diagnosis. The results show that in the areas of diagnosis, possible illicit drug involvement, status on admission and length of stay, there are significant differences between Afro-Caribbean subjects and others.

Psychosis in migrants from the Indian subcontinent and English-born controls. A preliminary study on the use of psychiatric services

A cohort of first-generation Asian immigrants who received a diagnosis of a functional psychosis at the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals were compared with an English-born control group. The Asians were found to have spent a lower total percentage of time in the two hospitals, had fewer in-patient admissions per year, and had a shorter average duration of stay in hospital than the matched controls.

Addressing racism in psychiatry: is the therapeutic community model applicable?

Several reports have documented the failure of statutory psychiatric services in Britain to provide for the needs of clients from minority ethnic groups. Black clients are particularly underrepresented in Psychotherapy for reasons which are complex and varied, but include the institutionalised racism which pervades British society. We argue that the Therapeutic Community (TC) model of treatment (or aspects of it deployed in other mental health situations) provides a potential for a less racist service. Using the Henderson Hospital TC as a case in point, we argue that the TC is an approach which can meet the needs of black peoples. However, it is acknowledged that despite the ideological suitability of the TC model for black clients, in practice the Henderson Hospital is not fulfilling its role in providing therapy to this group. We discuss possible explanations and suggest the practical changes necessary, so that Henderson Hospital can meet the needs of clients in a multi-cultural Britain.

Depression: viewed from a transcultural nursing theoretical perspective

Phenomena related to depression are discussed transculturally and examined within the context of Leininger's theory of transcultural diversity and universality of care and health. Mental health and mental illness are viewed within the social structure and world view in order to derive culturally congruent nursing care. Recommendations for future research are suggested.

Mental illness among immigrant minorities in the United Kingdom

Cross-cultural studies on immigrants from Pakistan and the New Commonwealth are reviewed, with emphasis on epidemiology and differences in clinical presentation. Their referral to the psychiatric service is also examined and deficiencies are noted. Awareness of transcultural issues among health professionals need to be increased in order to achieve diagnosis and improvements in health care.