The contemporary refugee crisis: an overview of mental health challenges

Abstract

There has been an unprecedented upsurge in the number of refugees worldwide, the majority being located in low-income countries with limited resources in mental health care. This paper considers contemporary issues in the refugee mental health field, including developments in research, conceptual models, social and psychological interventions, and policy. Prevalence data yielded by cross-sectional epidemiological studies do not allow a clear distinction to be made between situational forms of distress and frank mental disorder, a shortcoming that may be addressed by longitudinal studies. An evolving ecological model of research focuses on the dynamic inter-relationship of past traumatic experiences, ongoing daily stressors and the background disruptions of core psychosocial systems, the scope extending beyond the individual to the conjugal couple and the family. Although brief, structured psychotherapies administered by lay counsellors have been shown to be effective in the short term for a range of traumatic stress responses, questions remain whether these interventions can be sustained in low-resource settings and whether they meet the needs of complex cases. In the ideal circumstance, a comprehensive array of programs should be provided, including social and psychotherapeutic interventions, generic mental health services, rehabilitation, and special programs for vulnerable groups. Sustainability of services, ensuring best practice, evidence-based approaches, and promoting equity of access must remain the goals of future developments, a daunting challenge given that most refugees reside in settings where skills and resources in mental health care are in shortest supply.

Strengthening mental health care systems for Syrian refugees in Europe and the Middle East: integrating scalable psychological interventions in eight countries

“…Syrian refugees may have been exposed to multiple war-related stressors such as torture, rape, witnessing the death of family members as well as the destruction of their homes and livelihoods, and they have undertaken a risky and stressful flight leaving their homeland for an unknown future (Silove, Ventevogel, & Rees, 2017). In addition to experiences of major loss and potentially traumatic experiences in their country of origin, Syrian refugees are also affected by stressful circumstances in host countries, where the capacity for self-help and mutual support has been negatively impacted by forced migration, the separation from families and communities, collective violence and mistrust.…”

Complex PTSD and its correlates amongst female Yazidi victims of sexual slavery living in post‐ISIS camps

“…Previous data from refugees experiencing torture showed that while 19% had PTSD, 32% fulfilled CPTSD criteria 4 . It is important to estimate both PTSD and CPTSD, as these conditions may correlate with different variables and require distinct interventions 7,8 .…”

The health of forced migrants

“…Befriending schemes and community based health awareness programmes provide support, combat isolation, assist with navigation of health services, and help to link migrant and local communities 52122…”