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Differences in acute psychiatric admissions between asylum seekers and refugees
Valentina C Iversen1, Gunnar Morken
1Østmarka Psychiatric Department, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine NTNU, Trondheim, Norway. valentina.iversen@medisin.ntnu.no
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
|October 6, 2005
Summary
Asylum seekers experienced higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to refugees. Stresses within Norway, not origin countries, may explain these mental health differences in psychiatric admissions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Distinguishing mental health needs of asylum seekers and refugees is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research often groups these populations, potentially obscuring unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare psychiatric admissions between asylum seekers and refugees in Norway.
- To analyze differences in diagnoses, coercion, and length of stay.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 53 asylum seekers and 45 refugees admitted to a Norwegian psychiatric hospital (1995-2001).
- Comparison of admission data including coercion, psychiatric diagnoses, and length of hospital stay.
Main Results:
- Asylum seekers had higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (43.4%) versus refugees (11%).
- Refugees showed higher rates of schizophrenia (62.2%) compared to asylum seekers (15%).
- Refugees were more frequently admitted under coercion (24.4%) than asylum seekers (11%).
Conclusions:
- Post-arrival stressors in Norway, such as reception center conditions and expulsion risks, may contribute to higher PTSD rates in asylum seekers.
- Mental health outcomes differ significantly between asylum seekers and refugees, necessitating distinct support strategies.
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