Objective: To provide insight in the complaints presented by refugees in general practice. Method: A literature search in English and Dutch publications was executed in 1996 over the previous fifteen years. Results: In the literature search 29 publications about refugees in general practice and primary care were selected. It shows that apart from mostly 'ordinary' complaints the 'specific' complaints of refugees lie within the somatic and psychiatric field. In other words aspecific physical complaints mostly in combination with psychological or psychiatric problems. These problems must be seen in the context of living as a refugee in a foreign culture and in the context of experiences of organised violence in the country of origin. Observations in one general practice correspond with the findings in literature. Conclusion: Refugees do not differ much in the complaints they present in general practice but more in the complaints that are not presented spontaneously. Their experiences with war, violence and marginal social position are important etiological factors.

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