Clinical Features of Young Adult Hispanic Psychiatric In-Patients: the So-Called “Puerto Rican Syndrome”

Among 118 young Hispanic (101 Puerto Rican) psychiatric inpatients, somatic complaints, violence, suicidal tendency, hallucinations, sudden onset of symptoms, & dissociative behaviour each occurred in 46% or more of patients. There was no difference in clinical presentation between island Puerto Ricans & Puerto Ricans raised on the mainland. There was no relationship between these behaviours & any specific psychiatric disorder. Further study with larger control groups is called for. (23 refs.)