Prevalence of and risk factors for mental disorders in refugees

Abstract

Given the increasing numbers of refugees worldwide, the prevalence of their mental disorders is relevant for public health. Prevalence studies show that, in the first years of resettlement, only post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates are clearly higher in refugees than in host countries' populations. Five years after resettlement rates of depressive and anxiety disorders are also increased. Exposure to traumatic events before or during migration may explain high rates of PTSD. Evidence suggests that poor social integration and difficulties in accessing care contribute to higher rates of mental disorders in the long-term. Policy and research implications are discussed.

The Labor Market Integration of Refugee Migrants in High-Income Countries

“…Estimates on the prevalence of mental health disorders among refugees vary considerably, but the overall picture is quite clear of an alarming incidence of mental health issues, in particular depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (for example, Bogic, Njoku, and Priebe 2015;Priebe, Giacco, and El-Nagib 2016;Giacco, Laxhman, and Priebe 2018). Bogic, Njoku, and Priebe (2015) point out that around two-thirds of studies of longer term refugees (displaced for more than five years) report prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder greater than 20 percent (although lower quality studies tended to report higher rates).…”

Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and somatisation in recently arrived refugees in Germany: an epidemiological study

“…Sweden v. Turkey) at different times of assessment (recently arrived refugees v. years after resettlement), (2) differences in methodology (e.g. sample size, sampling methods, selection bias) and (3) varying quality of instruments used (Giacco et al, 2018). In their recently published review on mental health among refugees, Giacco et al (2018) conclude that studies of higher methodological quality based on more representative samples report lower prevalence rates compared to studies which used opportunistic or convenience samples.…”

“…sample size, sampling methods, selection bias) and (3) varying quality of instruments used (Giacco et al, 2018). In their recently published review on mental health among refugees, Giacco et al (2018) conclude that studies of higher methodological quality based on more representative samples report lower prevalence rates compared to studies which used opportunistic or convenience samples. In addition, survey timing appears to be important when interpreting results, especially when considering (1) possible trauma exposure before, during and/or after flight, and (2) immigration-related risk factors reported by several studies as having long-term negative impacts on immigrants/refugees' mental health after resettlement (e.g.…”

Enablers of psychological well‐being for refugees and asylum seekers living in transitional countries: A systematic review

“…Whether living in refugee camps or in a host community, the transition phase is characterised by living in a state of limbo and uncertainty. Many refugees in transit experience harsh living conditions, difficulty in meeting basic needs, low nutrition and poor health, loss of and separation from family and social networks, an inability to engage in education or employment, instability and fear for the future, fear of deportation, reduced or no access to healthcare including formal psychological services and treatment, and hostility, racism and violence from the host community or those co‐residing in refugee camps (Giacco, Laxhman, & Priebe, ; Khawaja et al, ; Shakespeare‐Finch & Wickham, ).…”