Similar psychosis risks in adoptees and immigrants.

Abstract

There is a consensus that adoptees and immigrants both experience more mental health problems than their peers. The two groups share many risk factors for psychosis, but an increased risk for psychotic illness has only been demonstrated for immigrants. The aim of this review is to describe psychosis risk factors in adoptees, with a focus on difficulties with identity formation, identification with in-groups, attachment to parents, and coping with loss and with discrimination. The literature in these five areas is reviewed as it pertains to adoption and psychosis. There are no clear findings because the relevant studies have not been done, but the literature suggests that adopted children face challenges very similar to those of immigrants to a new country. The immigration field and the adoption field have much to learn from each other. It is recommended that a prevention strategy analogous to increased neighbourhood ethnic density be implemented with adoptees - that they be intentionally exposed from early childhood and throughout adolescence to age peers who share a similar background and with whom they can readily identify. It is also recommended that immigrants be welcomed into their host country with the same open arms as adoptive parents welcome their new children.