Mood disorders in first- and second-generation immigrants: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mindlis, Irina; Boffetta, Paolo · Br J Psychiatry · 2017

meta_analysis · Level I

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Abstract

<b>Background</b>Although there are consistent reports of higher psychosis rates among immigrants, the information on mood disorders is limited.<b>Aims</b>To review and quantify the difference in incidence of mood disorders in first- and second-generation immigrant (FGI and SGI) groups <i>v.</i> non-immigrants.<b>Method</b>PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched for articles from cohort studies reporting incidence of mood disorders among FGIs and SGIs.<b>Results</b>Eighteen studies met our inclusion criteria. The summary relative risk (RR) for FGIs was 1.25 (95% CI 1.11-1.41), based on 17 effect sizes and 6120 cases, and 1.16 (95% CI 0.96-1.40) for SGIs based on three effect sizes. Men seemed at higher risk (RR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.06-1.56).<b>Conclusions</b>Clinicians should view FGIs as a group at risk of mood disorders, especially men. Further research is needed to understand immigrants' risk, especially in SGI.

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