Migration at an Early Age Can Lead to Psychotic Disorders in Kids
From the archive. This post was first published on the original Green Eggs and Moms blog and is kept here as it was.
You would do anything and everything to secure your family’s future, right?
Including migrating to a foreign country for the right job opportunity?
If you’re about to do that, take a few seconds and read this first.
The Study & Findings
Researchers from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and the Parnassia Psychiatric Institute (in The Hague, Netherlands) found that children who migrated at an early age had increased risks of developing psychotic disorders.
The younger the child, the higher the risk.
Their study showed that children who migrated before 5 had a twofold increased risk compared to kids who moved to another country between the ages of 10 – 15.
Possible Causes
- Being part of an ethnic minority
- Social changes stemming from cultural and geographical uprooting
- Vitamin D deficiency
The Takeaway
Since researchers have yet to pinpoint exact causes for the increased risk, there are only two things you can do: unpack or push through with the move.
If you choose the latter, the best thing to do is to support your children during the adjustment phase.
You may also consult with psychiatrists on how to assist your kids during this difficult transition. As for the vitamin deficiency, here’s what you need to know about increasing your child’s intake of vitamin D.
Do you know anyone who is about to move? Do them a favor and send this their way.
Photo:Creative Commons from geishaboy500
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