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Related Experiment Videos

PTSD symptom changes in refugees.

Rebecca Meghan Davis1, Henry Davis

  • 1Forensic Clinical Psychology, Sam Houston State University.

Torture : Quarterly Journal on Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and Prevention of Torture
|April 27, 2007
PubMed
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Refugee status acceptance significantly aids recovery from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those granted status showed reduced PTSD symptoms and distress compared to denied applicants, highlighting the impact of legal security on mental health.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry and Psychology
  • Sociology and Law
  • Refugee Studies

Background:

  • Refugees frequently experience extreme trauma, leading to high rates of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
  • The legal status of refugees is a critical factor influencing their mental health and recovery.
  • Understanding the psychological impact of the refugee determination process is essential for effective support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether the acceptance of an individual application for Convention Refugee status influences recovery from PTSD.
  • To compare PTSD recovery rates and generalized distress levels between refugees who were granted or denied legal status.
  • To examine the relationship between a positive asylum hearing outcome and symptom reduction.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • A prospective study involving 19 refugees assessed for PTSD using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and DSM-IV criteria.
  • Generalized distress was measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory.
  • Participants were assessed before their appearance at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, comparing outcomes for those accepted (n=10) versus denied (n=9) refugee status.

    • Main Results:

    • Refugees who received a positive outcome in their asylum hearing showed significant recovery from PTSD.
    • A positive hearing outcome was associated with a significantly reduced DSM-IV PTSD symptom count.
    • Accepted refugees reported significantly lower levels of generalized distress compared to those denied status.

    Conclusions:

    • Acceptance of refugee status is a significant factor in the rehabilitation and recovery from PTSD among refugees.
    • The process of disclosing traumatic experiences during the asylum hearing, coupled with the prospect of future safety, can initiate psychological healing.
    • Positive legal outcomes appear to mitigate PTSD symptoms and reduce generalized distress, underscoring the importance of legal security for refugee mental well-being.