Discrimination represents a threat to the mental health of those who suffer it, because it exposes the brain to a constant feeling of danger.
Racial discrimination increases the risk of psychotic events even in previously healthy people: this is the complaint contained in research by University College London published in PLOS Mental Healthwhich could explain the high prevalence of this type of mental disorder within ethnic minorities.
Escaping from the world
Psychosis refers to the temporary loss of contact with reality, through hallucinations (deceptive perceptions), delusions (deceptive beliefs) or disorganized thinking. Symptoms of this type can be a sign of an underlying mental disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Several studies in the past had found a relationship between psychosis and racial or ethnic discrimination, the former based on presumed physical differences, and the latter cultural.
An obvious connection
The new work, a review of 23 previous studies on 40,300 participants between Europe and the United States, which takes into consideration the most accurate data collected so far, has shown that there is a link, and requires urgent answers. People who have suffered forms of discrimination on a racial or ethnic basis run a 77% higher risk of showing psychotic symptoms, and a double risk of experiencing a real psychotic event, compared to those who have never suffered racism. Who did it physically experiencing a racist attack is five times more likely to show psychotic symptoms later in life.
The most marked effect was observed in non-clinical contexts, in the general population who had not previously experienced mental disorders.
Constant danger
Although other studies will be needed to delve deeper into whether there is a causal link and how, and at what times, racial and ethnic discrimination contribute to psychosis, the hypothesis is that discriminatory acts make the brain perceive a continuous situation of danger: «Although our analysis did not specifically investigate why discrimination could increase the risk of psychosis, there is evidence that the constant stress resulting from the experience of racism can lead to changes in the brain and affect how our brain processes threats,” the study authors write.
Deep-rooted racism
The scientists point out that the analysis is based only on forms of discrimination and racist microaggressions perceived directly, through interpersonal demonstrations. But systemic or institutional racism could have a profound impact, rooted in policies that systematically disadvantage people belonging to ethnic minorities.
