[Mental health among refugees. Connection between symptoms, traumatization and exile]

Abstract

Traumatization and psychiatric symptoms among 346 refugees admitted to the outpatient unit at the Psychosocial Centre for Refugees from 1992 to 1996 were registered and analysed by means of systematic, clinical interviews. More than 50% reported exposure to physical torture, and more than 50% had also been involved in serious war actions. Most patients had experienced many forms of persecution. Approximately 10% of the patients had employment in their host country and 20-30% attended school or participated in language courses. Almost 40% were neither employed nor engaged in any kind of studies. 50% were diagnosed as having post-traumatic stress disorder. The relationship between demographic background, traumatization and exile situation, and symptoms and social dysfunction is illustrated by case histories.