Admissions of African Americans to state psychiatric hospitals

This investigation examines the admissions of African-Americans to state psychiatric hospitals in Virginia. It compares admissions of African-Americans primarily with European-Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities. Data spanning the 20-year period from 1970 to 1990 from nine state psychiatric hospitals were analysed to determine the relationship of race to number of admissions, to primary diagnosis at admission and to length of stay. Compared to European-Americans, African-Americans were significantly more likely to be admitted to state psychiatric hospitals, had longer lengths of stay and were likely to be given more severe diagnoses. Key policy implications are provided.