Characterization of Neuropsychiatric Conditions in United States Resettled Refugees at a Single Academic Center

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric diseases are common among forcibly displaced persons, and a better understanding is needed to improve screening and treatment efforts. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study at a single academic center looking at neuropsychiatric diagnoses of United States resettled refugees presenting for their domestic medical examination. Over one-third (33%) of our study population had at least one neuropsychiatric diagnosis. Although globally and in the United States, leading causes of neurological disease are stroke, dementia, and migraines, in our clinic the predominant etiologies were headache disorders, peripheral nerve disorders, and traumatic brain injury, highlighting a need for broadening screening at this initial visit. ANN NEUROL 2025;98:231-235.