Background: To investigate the level of posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms, and background risk and protective factors that might increase or ameliorate this distress amongst unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and adolescents (UASC). Methods: Cross-sectional survey carried out in London. Participants were 78 UASC aged 13-18 years, predominantly from the Balkans and Africa, compared with 35 accompanied refugee children. Measures included self-report questionnaires of war trauma, posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms. Results: UASC had experienced high levels of losses and war trauma, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Predictors of high posttraumatic symptoms included low-support living arrangements, female gender and trauma events, and increasing age only amongst the UASC. High depressive scores were associated with female gender, and region of origin amongst the UASC. Conclusion: UASC might have less psychological distress if offered high-support living arrangements and general support as they approach the age of 18 years, but prospective studies are required to investigate the range of risk and protective factors. © 2008 The Authors.

High support Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children Refugees Posttraumatic stress symptoms war trauma Depressive symptoms

rating scale battle injury depression refugee London human sex difference Refugees Life Change Events Self Report risk assessment controlled study Adaptation, Psychological social support Social Work Cross-Sectional Studies Humans Adolescent male female Personality Inventory Risk Factors Africa questionnaire Article Questionnaires major clinical study adult posttraumatic stress disorder Sex Factors distress syndrome United Kingdom Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic age distribution disease severity Adjustment Disorders homeless youth health survey