Greater immigration and diversity in England

Immigration to the UK presents a challenge to the diagnosis and classification of mental illnesses, including severe mental illness, which is more prevalent in different ethnic populations where there is a large unmet need. Immigration also presents challenges of social tolerance and integration of diverse cultures.

Proposed workforce impact

• A greater need for more ethnic minorities in the workforce to understand cultural differences
• Upskilling on cultural and ethnic differences in mental illness
• Increased demand for specialist care

Sources or references

• Bhugra & Bhui, (2001), African-Caribbeans and Schizophrenia: Contributing Factors, 7, 283-291
• Jilek, (2001), Cultural Factors in Psychiatric Disorders, Schizophrenia
• López Pez & Guarnaccia, (2000), Cultural Psychopathology: Uncovering the Social World of Mental Illness, Annual Review of Psychology, 51, 571-598

Additional research questions

• How can the psychiatrist workforce adapt to the changing ethnic diversity in England?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.