Citation

Jensen SB, Agger I. Ugeskr. Laeger 1990; 152(13): 900-905.

Vernacular Title

Flygtninges møde med det psykiatriske system.

Affiliation

Centralsygehuset i Hillerød, Psykiatrisk Afdeling R.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Den Alm Danske Laegerforening)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2321305

Abstract

Recently, Western clinicians have met an increasing number of victims of organized violence who, as political refugees, have sought asylum here. On basis of literature-studies and research carried out by the authors, the article gives an overview of present knowledge about the composition of the refugee population in Denmark, and the need of psychiatric/psychological assistance. The most common presenting symptoms of traumatized refugees are related to traumatic stress-conditions, sometimes accompanied by acute outbursts of affect, psycho-somatic complaints, substance abuse or psychotic break-down. The relevance of the concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for the field of refugee treatment is briefly described, and possible offers of therapy, including Post-Traumatic Therapy (PTT), are discussed. Some immediate questions facing psychiatry are raised, the need of a co-ordination of treatment offers is pointed out, and directions for further development of clinical practice and research are proposed.

Language: da