Zeitschrift fur Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie
Volume 39, Issue 3, 2010, Pages 151-160

Prevalence of traumatic stress and mental health problems in children of asylum-seekers in Germany [Prävalenz von traumatischen Stresserfahrungen und seelischen Erkrankungen bei in Deutschland lebenden Kindern von Asylbewerbern] (Article)

Ruf M.* , Schauer M. , Elbert T.
  • a Universität Konstanz, Fachbereich Psychologie: Psychologische Forschungs, Modellambulanz für Flüchtlinge und Vivo International, Germany
  • b Universität Konstanz, Fachbereich Psychologie: Psychologische Forschungs, Modellambulanz für Flüchtlinge und Vivo International, Germany
  • c Universität Konstanz, Fachbereich Psychologie: Psychologische Forschungs, Modellambulanz für Flüchtlinge und Vivo International, Germany

Abstract

Background: Studies in post-conflict regions have repeatedly demonstrated that displaced children are at high risk for mental disorders. In contrast, little is known about mental ill-health in refugee children living in Germany. Objective: Determine the prevalence of mental disorders among refugee children in Germany. Methods: 104 structured psychodiagnostic interviews were completed with children of asylum seekers in representative refugee homes. Results: The PTSD prevalence rate was 19%. Other mentaf health problems were rarely observed. Only 4.8% of the children had received any -form of therapy. Conclusions: One in five children of asylum seekers in Germany suffer from chronic PTSD and thus are deprived of a normal and healthy social, school, and occupational development. Existing evidence-based treatments need to be offered and additional routes to healing need to be developed. © Hogrefe Verlag Göttingen 2010.

Author Keywords

Stress Children Refugees PTSD trauma

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77955621578&doi=10.1026%2f1616-3443%2fa000029&partnerID=40&md5=bc5fdee56ca51f038cfd20962267427a

DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000029
ISSN: 16163443
Cited by: 26
Original Language: German