The mental health of Chinese people in Britain: An update on current literature

Abstract

Research evidence concerning the mental health (including learning disability) of the Chinese population in Britain is much more limited than for other British ethnic groups. Chinese people do not have higher rates of psychiatric disorder but are underrepresented in service uptake on account of poor access. This is due to inadequate linguistic support in dealings with mainstream professionals, a lack of culturally competent practitioners and poor community awareness of mental illness issues. Information for service users and their carers in accessible Chinese is very limited. Younger Chinese people show partial identification with mainstream British society and experience of racism is pervasive. It is suggested that services for Chinese people are best developed through community organisations involving culturally and linguistically competent mental health practicioners linked to mainstream services and trained community workers.