Mental Health and Substance Use: Dual Diagnosis
Volume 7, Issue 1, 2014, Pages 19-30

Mental health and drug and alcohol comorbidity in young people of refugee background: A review of the literature (Article)

Posselt M.* , Galletly C. , De Crespigny C. , Procter N.
  • a Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  • b Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  • c Nursing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  • d Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia

Abstract

This review describes the existing knowledge concerning mental health (MH) and drug and alcohol problems in young people of refugee background. We explore the extent to which comorbid MH and alcohol and other drug (AOD) conditions (comorbidity) are likely to be experienced by young people of refugee background and investigate what is known about engaging and supporting young refugees with comorbidity in health services. Much of the literature suggests that young refugees are at a high risk of developing MH and AOD disorders. While it has been established that significant barriers to service engagement and service provision exist for young people of refugee background with one disorder, we suggest the risk may be higher for those experiencing comorbidity as they not only face cultural and linguistic barriers but are also often required to effectively navigate two different service sectors. Directions for future research are discussed. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

youth Comorbidity Mental health Substance use Refugee

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84894074567&doi=10.1080%2f17523281.2013.772914&partnerID=40&md5=6cfb9f4feaf8e010cad214459fdbbdbd
DOI: 10.1080/17523281.2013.772914
ISSN: 17523281
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English