Psychosocial interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in refugees and asylum seekers

Journal title RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA
Author/s Giulia Turrini, Corrado Barbui, Michela Nosè
Publishing Year 2017 Issue 2017/3
Language English Pages 16 P. 51-66 File size 696 KB
DOI 10.3280/RSF2017-003004
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In recent years there has been a progressive rise in the number of asylum seekers and refugees displaced from their country of origin, with significant social, economic, humanitarian and public health implications. In comparison with the general population, refugees and asylum seekers have been shown to experience higher prevalence rates of a range of disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although there is substantial variability in prevalence rates, PTSD is frequent and much more likely in refugees and asylum seekers compared to host populations. In terms of psychosocial interventions, cognitive behavioral interventions and narrative exposure therapy are supported by some evidence of efficacy that would suggest the possibility of decreasing PTSD symptoms in this vulnerable group. Overall, psychosocial interventions for asylum seekers and refugees with PTSD were found to provide significant benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms. These data provide an evidence base to inform decisions in clinical practice and policy making, considering that an appropriate treatment is a right of refugees and a way to better adaptation and integration in host country.

Keywords: Refugee, asylum seeker, prevalence, intervention, psychosocial, PTSD.

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  • Feasibility and predictors of change of narrative exposure therapy for displaced populations: a repeated measures design Rina S. Ghafoerkhan, Henriette E. van Heemstra, Willem F. Scholte, Joriene R. J. van der Kolk, Jackie June F. ter Heide, Simone M. de la Rie, Linda M. Verhaak, Evelien Snippe, Paul A. Boelen, in Pilot and Feasibility Studies 69/2020
    DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00613-1

Giulia Turrini, Corrado Barbui, Michela Nosè, Psychosocial interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in refugees and asylum seekers in "RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA" 3/2017, pp 51-66, DOI: 10.3280/RSF2017-003004