British Journal of Psychiatry
Volume 170, Issue APR., 1997, Pages 351-357

Anxiety, depression and PTSD in asylum-seekers: Associations with pre-migration trauma and post-migration stressors (Article)

Silove D.* , Sinnerbrink I. , Field A. , Manicavasagar V. , Steel Z.
  • a School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Hospital, Australia, Psychiat. Research and Teaching Unit, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
  • b School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Hospital, Australia
  • c Asylum Seekers Centre, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
  • d Psychiat. Research and Teaching Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Australia
  • e Psychiat. Research and Teaching Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Australia

Abstract

Background. Research into the mental health of refugees has burgeoned in recent times, but there is a dearth of studies focusing specifically on the factors associated with psychiatric distress in asylum-seekers who have not been accorded residency status. Method. Forty consecutive asylum-seekers attending a community resource centre in Sydney, Australia, were interviewed using structured instruments and questionnaires. Results. Anxiety scores were associated with female gender, poverty, and conflict with immigration officials, while loneliness and boredom were linked with both anxiety and depression. Thirty subjects (79%) had experienced a traumatic event such as witnessing killings, being assaulted, or suffering torture and captivity, and 14 subjects (37%) met full criteria for PTSD. A diagnosis of PTSD was associated with greater exposure to pre-migration trauma, delays in processing refugee applications, difficulties in dealing with immigration officials, obstacles to employment, racial discrimination, and loneliness and boredom. Conclusions. Although based on correlational data derived from 'a convenint' sample, our findings raise the possibility that current procedures for dealing with asylum-seekers may contribute to high levels of stress and psychiatric symptoms in those who have been previously traumatised.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

anxiety depression conflict human Life Change Events Refugees Mental Disorders Humans male female Risk Factors clinical article New South Wales Article adult migration posttraumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic employment Torture
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0030998263&partnerID=40&md5=56bb22c387b0d7b54360013118911172
ISSN: 00071250
Cited by: 364
Original Language: English