Background: The comparative outcome of psychosis in British Whites and UK African-Caribbeans is unclear. Some report that African-Caribbeans have worse outcome, whereas others claim better symptomatic outcome and a more benign course.
Aims: To compare the course, outcome and treatment of psychosis in African-Caribbeans and British Whites in a large multi-centre sample.
Method: A secondary analysis of 708 patients with research diagnostic criteria-defined psychosis from a 2-year, randomised controlled trial of case management. Outcome measures (hospitalisation, illness course, self-harm, social disability and treatment received) were adjusted for socio-economic and clinical differences between groups at baseline using regression analysis.
Results: African-Caribbeans were less likely to have a continuous illness and to receive treatment with antidepressant or psychotherapy.
Conclusions: The outcome of psychosis is complex but differs between UK African-Caribbeans and British Whites. This may reflect risk factors that increase the rate of psychosis in UK African-Caribbeans. Treatment differences require further investigation.