Pathways to care for first-generation migrants with first episode psychosis in northwestern metropolitan Melbourne

Abstract

Objective: Understanding the pathways to care for migrants experiencing a first episode of psychosis is important, as they are more likely to experience longer delays to treatment and negative experiences, such as involuntary treatment. Despite the increased risk of developing a psychotic illness and barriers associated with pathways to care, there are limited studies exploring pathways to care in migrants in Australia. This study seeks to examine pathways to care for young people with a first episode of psychosis to a publicly funded youth mental health service. Methods: This study included all young people aged 15–24 years who presented with a first episode of psychosis to the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) between 1 February 2011 and 31 December 2016. Referral sources and place of birth were recorded at the time of presentation. The severity of psychotic symptoms was rated at baseline. Results: A total of 1220 young people presented with a first episode of psychosis during the study period, including 293 (24.5%) first-generation migrants. First-generation migrants with a first episode of psychosis were more likely to be admitted to hospital than Australian-born youth (odds ratio = 1.67, 95% confidence interval = [1.27, 2.18], p < 0.001) and this remained significant when controlled for demographic (adjusted odds ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval = [1.07, 1.88], p = 0.016) and clinical factors (adjusted odds ratio = 1.38,95% confidence interval = [1.01, 1.89], p = 0.044). First-generation migrants were also more likely to have an involuntary admission (odds ratio = 1.67, 95% confidence interval = [1.26, 2.21], p < 0.001) and this remained significant when controlled for demographic (adjusted odds ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval = [1.05, 1.91], p = 0.022) and clinical factors (adjusted odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval = [1.08, 2.09], p = 0.017). Migrants had more severe delusions ( p = 0.005), bizarre behavior ( p < 0.001) and positive formal thought disorder ( p = 0.003) at the time of presentation. Migrants were also more likely to attend the emergency department during their presentation with first episode of psychosis (odds ratio = 1.76, 95% confidence interval = [1.31, 2.36], p < 0.001). Conclusion: First-generation migrants who develop a psychotic disorder are at greater risk of experiencing negative pathways to care than the Australian-born population. Further research is needed to identify the factors that lead to migrants being involuntarily admitted to hospital for first episode of psychosis.