The present study examined results of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) in a 22-year-old, male, tortured asylum-seeker living in Sweden. The patient received 16 sessions of CBT involving mainly self-exposure to trauma-related cues. Clinical measures (assessor- and self-rated) were completed at pre-treatment, weeks 6, 8, 12, and 16, post-treatment and at follow-up (1-, 3-, and 6-month). Treatment led to significant improvement across all measures of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. The improvement was maintained at 6-month follow-up. The results suggest that CBT could be useful in treating tortured asylum-seekers and refugees despite the additional stressors experienced by asylum-seekers and refugees. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

Asylum seekers Torture Post-traumatic stress

depression refugee anxiety disorder behavior therapy follow up human Refugees injury cognitive therapy diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders statistical significance Sweden Humans Treatment Outcome Severity of Illness Index male case report self concept Article adult nafazodon posttraumatic stress disorder exposure Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic mental hospital anamnesis antidepressant agent Torture