Trauma History and Psychopathology in War‐Affected Refugee Children Referred for Trauma‐Related Mental Health Services in the United States

Abstract

There is an increasing need to deliver effective mental health services to refugee children and adolescents across the United States; however, the evidence base needed to guide the design and delivery of services is nascent. We investigated the trauma history profiles, psychopathology, and associated behavioral and functional indicators among war-affected refugee children presenting for psychological treatment. From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network's Core Data Set, 60 war-affected refugee children were identified (51.7% males, mean age = 13.1 years, SD = 4.13). Clinical assessments indicated high rates of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (30.4%), generalized anxiety (26.8%), somatization (26.8%), traumatic grief (21.4%), and general behavioral problems (21.4%). Exposure to war or political violence frequently co-occurred with forced displacement; traumatic loss; bereavement or separation; exposure to community violence; and exposure to domestic violence. Academic problems and behavioral difficulties were prevalent (53.6% and 44.6%, respectively); however, criminal activity, alcohol/drug use, and self-harm were rare (all < 5.45%). These findings highlight the complex trauma profiles, comorbid conditions, and functional problems that are important to consider in providing mental health interventions for refugee children and adolescents. Given the difficulties associated with access to mental health services for refugees, both preventive and community-based interventions within family, school, and peer systems hold particular promise.

Refugee education in countries of first asylum: Breaking open the black box of pre-resettlement experiences

“…For example, upon arrival in the U.S., 23 percent of refugee men and 27 percent of refugee women over the age of 25 have not completed high school, lower than rates among the U.S.-born population (Migration Policy Institute, 2014: 17). We also know that refugee children experience challenges related to social integration in school settings (Bigelow, 2010;Buck and Silver, 2012;Due and Riggs, 2009;Taylor and Sidhu, 2012;Rutter, 2003;Dippo et al, 2012;Rutter, 2006;Arnot and Pinson, 2005;Isik-Ercan, 2012) and on-going challenges related to trauma exposure (Betancourt et al, 2012;Gahungu et al, 2011;Schweitzer et al, 2006;Szente et al, 2006). Post-resettlement trajectories and the relevant educational characteristics of refugee children and their parents upon arrival are critical dimensions of the education of resettled refugee children.…”

Peritraumatic dissociation predicts posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms via dysfunctional trauma-related memory among war-affected children

“…Cumulative traumatic experiences increase the risk for psychiatric disorders and symptoms such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety, traumatic grief, and depression among children living in war areas (Betancourt et al, 2012; Catani et al, 2009). The prevalence of PTSD, however, varies considerably among war-affected children.…”

“When I Am a President of Guinea”: Resettled Refugees Traversing Education in Search of a Future

“…Refugee young people also exhibit high levels of trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health challenges that require targeted interventions (Betancourt, Meyers-Ohki, Charrow, & Tol, 2013;Betancourt et al, 2012;McBrien, 2005).…”