Migrant background and ethnic minority status as predictors for duration of untreated psychosis

AimThe aim of the study was to explore if patients with migration and/or ethnic minority background have longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) than patients from the reference population, and in case to what extent this was best explained by ethnic minority status or migration background, including age at migration. MethodsFour hundred sixty-two first-episode patients were included. The Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Axis I Disorders was used for diagnostic purposes. Patients were interviewed about migration history and ethnicity using structured questionnaires. ResultsBeing part of an ethnic minority group had a trend-level significance, and migration after the age of 6 had a statistically significant association with prolonged DUP. ConclusionsAge at migration has a moderate, but statistically significant effect on DUP. The findings indicate migrating after school start is associated with a longer DUP in immigrant populations.