[Refugees' encounter with the Danish psychiatric system]

Recently, Western clinicians have met an increasing number of victims of organized violence who, as political refugees, have sought asylum here. On basis of literature-studies and research carried out by the authors, the article gives an overview of present knowledge about the composition of the refugee population in Denmark, and the need of psychiatric/psychological assistance. The most common presenting symptoms of traumatized refugees are related to traumatic stress-conditions, sometimes accompanied by acute outbursts of affect, psycho-somatic complaints, substance abuse or psychotic break-down. The relevance of the concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for the field of refugee treatment is briefly described, and possible offers of therapy, including Post-Traumatic Therapy (PTT), are discussed. Some immediate questions facing psychiatry are raised, the need of a co-ordination of treatment offers is pointed out, and directions for further development of clinical practice and research are proposed.