Mental health of refugees

Abstract

Mental health and psychosocial problems among refugees are increasingly being recognized as a priority issue. This chapter will critically examine and synthesize what is known about mental health problems among refugees. The scope will be broad, extending beyond post-traumatic stress disorder, and include brief information on other common mental disorders in refugees (such as prolonged grief, depression as well as severe mental disorders such as psychosis and bipolar disorder). The chapter briefly introduces social-ecological frameworks that assist in conceptualizing the psychosocial problems facing refugees. Emphasis is given to the need for multi-sectoral, multi-level interventions that are sensitive to culture and context, and that are evidence-informed and scalable. Key issues are: the integration of mental health into general health using brief psychological interventions; use of task shifting approaches; and interventions to strengthen self-help and family and community support in refugee settings.