American journal of disaster medicine
Volume 2, Issue 6, 2007, Pages 321-329

The impact of the refugee decision on the trajectory of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among asylum seekers: a longitudinal study. (Article)

Silove D.* , Steel Z. , Susljik I. , Frommer N. , Loneragan C. , Chey T. , Brooks R. , le Touze D. , Ceollo M. , Smith M. , Harris E. , Bryant R.
  • a School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • b School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • c School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • d School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • e School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • f School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • g School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • h School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • i School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • j School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • k School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia
  • l School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine prospectively the trajectory of trauma-related psychiatric symptoms and disability amongst asylum seekers over the course of the refugee determination process. To identify the direct impact of the refugee decision on psychiatric symptoms by adjusting for other variables, namely sociodemographic characteristics, past trauma, and ongoing postmigration stresses. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of asylum seekers recruited from a random sample of immigration agents in Sydney, Australia. SETTING: Consecutive asylum seekers were referred for interview by immigration agents. Interviews were undertaken after the initial application and on average, 3.8 months after the refugee decision. MEASURES: Measures assessed premigration trauma and postmigration stressors. Mental health status was assessed using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. Functional impairment was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form 12. RESULTS: Sixty-two of 73 asylum seekers were retained at follow-up. The accepted (16) and rejected (46) groups did not differ on premigration trauma or baseline psychiatric symptoms. Postdecision, the accepted group showed substantial improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and in mental health functioning, whereas the rejected group maintained high levels of symptoms on all psychiatric indices. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing secure residency status for asylum seekers may be important to their recovery from trauma-related psychiatric symptoms. The practical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

anxiety depression longitudinal study refugee regression analysis Australia psychological aspect human Longitudinal Studies Refugees comparative study Adaptation, Psychological Humans male female Multivariate Analysis adaptive behavior New South Wales Article adult migration legal aspect posttraumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Emigration and Immigration
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-41449084797&partnerID=40&md5=a940a935ec8ee8a5d743f46ea966aefa
ISSN: 1932149X
Cited by: 45
Original Language: English