[Refugees and mental health - what can doctors do?]

The influx of Ukraine refugees confronts doctors with the effects of forced migration. Refugees are at risk for the development of mental health problems, due to traumatic experiences and unfavorable living circumstances post-migration (poverty, unemployment). Person-centered cultural sensitive care contributes to timely recognition and treatment of mental distress. To be effective, trust must be built through continuity of care and respectful attention to personal wishes and circumstances of the refugee. Other important aspects are the involvement of a professional interpreter, pro-active discussion of social problems and always performing a physical examination. Health education about symptoms of distress, and how to best cope with these, is helpful for refugees and families supporting refugees. For this, educational materials in different languages are available. With a little bit of extra time and effort doctors can play an important role in improving the wellbeing of refugees.