Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Compelling worldwide research shows a threefold risk of psychosis in people who migrate (Cantor-Graae & Selten, 2005) without increased psychosis in their homeland (Jablensky et al. , 1992). The even greater risk of psychosis in the second-generation indicates that social factors inherent in being a minority contribute. Despite the evidence that gender is a determinant of the course and outcome of psychosis, no review has focused on the interaction between gender and social risk factors. METHOD: Papers from PsyclNFO were searched first relating to migrants with psychosis and then to gender. RESULTS: Overall, the increased incidence of psychosis in males worldwide is also evident in migrants. However, in certain groups, women have a greater risk than men (Schrier et al. , 2001) with no clear explanations for these findings. Few studies analyze gender separately or examine the interaction between gender and social risk factors in psychosis: discrimination, neighbourhood ethnic density, socioeconomic status and anti-social behaviour all appeared to have a larger impact on men. DISCUSSION: The social risk factors and their differential impact on men and women are discussed. This literature is then linked with the cognitive models of psychosis and implications for clinical effectiveness, training and further research are suggested.