Migration and depression

Abstract

Objective: Migrants migrate for a number of reasons and varying duration. The objective in this paper is to review the findings to ascertain whether rates of depression among migrants are higher compared with the non-migrant populations.

Method: We used the published data to review the theoretical background for migration and to study the existing literature on rates of depression in various migrant and ethnic groups.

Results: The rates of depressive neurosis vary according to migrant status. Migrants in some groups are less likely to report symptoms of depression. Using fluency in language as a proxy measure of acculturation it appears that acculturated individuals are more likely to be depressed.

Conclusion: The impact of migration on depression is not as clear and straightforward as for other psychiatric conditions. More work needs to be carried out in understanding the impact of migration on depression.