Challenges in the Repatriation Processes of a Foreign Citizen With Schizophrenia: A Case Report From Tanzania.

Background

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by an array of symptoms, leading to impairment of functioning. Many patients with schizophrenia tend to have long-stay hospitalizations due to several factors, one of them being the repatriation process. Case Presentation: I report the case of a 29-year-old male foreign citizen who presented with auditory hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and aggressiveness. The patient had a history of multiple admissions due to poor drug adherence. After being admitted to the psychiatry ward, the patient was improved and ready for discharge after 4 weeks but struggled to remember his relatives' phone numbers. Due to financial constraints and poor support, the repatriation process was delayed for 160 days.

Conclusion

The present case highlights the challenges in managing schizophrenia abroad, urging international protocols to streamline the repatriation process and address financial, logistical, and social barriers for improved outcomes.