The legacy of systemic racism in the U.S impacts psychosis risk at the individual and neighborhood level, according to a definitive review published online today. Researchers examined U.S. based evidence connecting social and environmental factors with outcomes relating to psychotic experiences, including schizophrenia.
The review examined potential risk factors and influence of structural racism within three key areas. These included disparities in neighborhoods; trauma and stress experienced at both collective and individual levels; and complications experienced around pregnancy.
"Being a particular race in and of itself is not the determinant; the systematic racism that constructs the social milieu makes it relevant," the authors conclude.
"Our review suggests the legacy of structural racism in the U.S. is a fundamental cause of racial inequities in social determinants of psychosis," said lead author Deidre M. Anglin, Ph.D., with City College of New York, City University of New York. "Funding priorities, training, and intervention development in North American psychiatry must shift to reflect this evidence."
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American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with 37,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit http://www.psychiatry.org .
American Journal of Psychiatry