Management of first episode psychotic illness in Afro-Caribbean patients.

Abstract

We studied retrospectively a consecutive series of 40 Afro-Caribbean patients and compared them with 40 non-Caribbean patients matched for age, sex, and diagnosis. There was no overall difference in initial or cumulative doses of neuroleptic medication in the early treatment of psychosis. However, a small subgroup of Afro-Caribbean patients received higher peak dosages. Clearly recorded episodes of behavioural disturbances were more frequent in Afro-Caribbean patients generally. They were more likely to be admitted compulsorily, discharged earlier, and prescribed depot medication.