This document outlines a study that aims to evaluate the overdiagnosis of schizophrenia in Black men in the UK. It notes that Black men are diagnosed with schizophrenia 4-5 times more than other ethnic groups, and that initial diagnoses were associated with criminal behavior. The study will use qualitative focus groups and interviews as well as quantitative questionnaires with former mental health patients, healthcare practitioners, and community volunteers to compare schizophrenia diagnoses between ethnic groups, assess diagnostic criteria and potential biases, and identify contributing societal factors for Black men. Results will be analyzed using spreadsheets, coding, and SPSS software while maintaining participant consent, anonymity, and confidentiality.

1. Black men and schizophrenia
Assessment of stereotypes
Andrew Njenga

2. Background

African American men are diagnosed with
schizophrenia 4 to 5 times more than other
ethnic groups

Initially associated with petty criminals among
white men

A large increase in diagnosis with black men
seen after the 1960's and 70's civil rights
movement

Black men seen as uncooperative, aggressive
(Case:David Bennet, 1998)

3. Aims/Objectives

evaluate/assess the overdiagnosis of
schizophrenia of black men in the UK

Compare diagnosis of schizophrenia in black
men as compared to other ethnic groups

Differentiation of schizophrenia from other
mental health illnesses

Assess the diagnosis criteria(DSM-IV)-
discriminatory/culture sensitive

4. Cont..

Assess contributory factors in black men
developing schizophrenia

Deprivation

Unemployment

Poverty

Drug use

Housing

Quality of life

5. Rationale

Existing research has shown black men are
stereotyped and misdiagnosed leading to
misdirection and missaporpriations of resources

Stigmatisation of black men and side effects of
medication that are psychoactive can affect
service users negatively

6. Study design

Primary research

Literature review-databases, periodicals etc

Ethical approval

Qualitative methods-focus group, interviews

Quantitative- 100 questionnaires

Subjects -mental health service users,
healthcare practitioners, community volunteers

7. Subjects/Patients

Former mental health service users, healthcare
practitioners, community volunteers

Rationale: know what is going on in the
community, former patients and practitioners
know about diagnosis criteria and biases

8. Sources of Bias

Mental capacity of patients

Overspoken participants in the focus group

Denial/paranoia/negative attitude of former
patients

9. Analysis of results

Spreadsheets

Coding

SPSS

10. Ethical issues

Using patients, consent, anonymity and
confidentiality will be maintained

Support for patients, may be emotional to
speak about their diagnoses