[Psychiatric disorders in immigrants. I. History, symptoms and diagnostic classification]

Abstract

155 people who had left East-Germany and sought psychiatric help within six weeks after their arrival in West Berlin, were examined. History, living situation and psychopathological symptoms were studied. The disorders were diagnosed according to ICD-9 and DSM-III-R. 85% of the patients reported that they had already suffered from similar complaints in East Germany. 50% stated they have had symptoms before they had made the decision to leave. On average, that decision had been taken 22 months before the actual leaving. Most often patients complained about sleep disturbance, nervousness, and headaches. According to ICD-9, 55% of the disorders were classified as reactive and 39% as neurotic or personality disorders. The most frequent diagnoses according to DSM-III-R were adjustment disorders (41%), major depression (21%), anxiety disorders (16%), and dysthymia (14%). Regardless of diagnosis most patients were found to have symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with vegetative complaints. There were no clear relationships between psychopathological symptoms and data of history or present living situation.