S28.02 - Mental health issues of turkish female immigrants residing in the UK - A follow-up study

Abstract

One hundred consecutive Turkish female immigrants referred by their General Practitioner to a mental clinic between 1998 – 2000 were assessed for their social background, educational, linguistic capabilities and support network. They were assessed for their mental health problems and were given psychiatric diagnosis including mixed anxiety depression, panic attacks, PTSD, obsessionality and severe mental health problems i.e. bipolar affective disorder and psychosis.

7 years later the same cohort were reviewed for their psychiatric problems.

It is interesting to note that 75% of all women who warranted a psychiatric diagnosis on the first assessment were free of symptoms on the second assessment. They had aclimatised to their host country and had improved psychologically.

The study will present the personal and social factors that contributed to the psychological well-being, stability and integration of this cohort.