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Mental illness in migrants: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Brendan D Kelly
Affiliation:
Stanley Research Foundation(Ireland)
Peter Whitty
Affiliation:
Stanley Research Foundation(Ireland)
Eadbhard O'Callaghan
Affiliation:
University College Dublin, (Ireland) Cluain Mhuire Family Centre, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

We describe the case of a 30 year old Chinese woman who presented to an Irish psychiatric service with a five-month history of somatic delusions, auditory hallucinations and denial of lineage. We utilise this case to illustrate the significant cultural influences on psychopathology. We discuss the increasingly frequent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges presented by migrants with mental illness.

Type
Case Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2002

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