Psychiatric problems of Turkish labourers in Holland

Abstract

A study is made of factors associated with adjustment and neurosis among male Turkish migrants in Amsterdam. A random sample of 180 with a mean age of 34 years were screened with the Cornell Medical Index. Forty-five per cent were deemed to be neurotic. On comparison with the normals it was found that neurosis was associated with high levels of physical illness and complaint. Severe psychiatric symptoms were prominent in the neurotic group and 36% used excessive amounts of alcohol. Psychological difficulties were also prominent among them. Many fear for their families at home and more than a half were unduly suspicious. The implications of these findings are discussed.