Three Cambodian patients with Depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) presenting with somatic complaints are described. Their case histories support previous observations that somatisation is the most common presentation of Cambodian patients with Depression and PTSD. The probable reasons why depressed, traumatised Cambodian patients somatise their psychiatric problems are discussed. These cases illustrate the difficulties involved in engaging such patients in Western style psychotherapy, but show the effectiveness of small doses of antidepressants in treating the depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms. © 1993 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

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depression refugee Cambodia disease activity human Refugees Combined Modality Therapy Ethnic Groups Depressive Disorder drug efficacy doxepin psychotherapy male case report female Article patient compliance adult posttraumatic stress disorder New Zealand Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic treatment planning Somatoform Disorders antidepressant agent somatization