Most patients of the Berlin Center for the Treatment of Torture Victims are refugees. Objective: We compared patients who received psychotherapy and medical reports for asylum procedures (N = 21) and patients who received medical reports only (N = 33). Methods: Assessment took place shortly after arrival in our center (t1) as well as about one year later (t2). Self rating scales (IES-R, PDS, SCL-90-R, SUD) were used. Results: Show high symptomatology at t1 and t2 in both groups. Psychotherapy did not lead to symptom reduction. Reasons for persistent symptomatology can be suboptimal psychotherapy conditions, but also the legal connection of severe illness being the precondition for the renewal of the residence permit. Permanent insecure residence may impede symptom reduction in traumatized refugees in psychotherapeutic treatment.

PTSD Refugees Psychotherapy Torture

male rating scale symptomatology war female Germany refugee clinical article self concept Article psychotherapy human Torture legal aspect posttraumatic stress disorder