PTSD In Refugees

lack of language skills, changing gender expectations and cultural uncertainty. The diagnosis of PTSD among Afghan adult refugees and other refugees alike in the U.S. and other Western countries is exceptionally higher than the general population (Gernaat, 2002; Fazel, Wheeler & Danesh, 2005). Such high rates of PTSD are attributed to a disconnect with Western treatment which is individualized and not in line with Afghan values which are more receptive to family involvement. Based on a 2002 study, researchers concluded that the likelihood of developing a mental disorder directly correlated to a lack of language skills, loss of educational status and unemployment, based on 51 Afghans suffering from depression (57%) and PTSD (35%) (Gernaat,

The refugees were asked a series of questions inquiring about their current mental health. Specifically these three questions asked were 1) If they reported to having PTSD symptoms upon arrival, and 2) if they had used metal healthcare provider within the first year of resettlement (Lamkaddem, Stronks, Devillé, Olff, Gerritsen, & Essink-Bot, 2014). These questions were then asked again at the seven year mark in order to measure trends in PTSD and primary mental health among refugees. The results of the study found that PTSD in refugees has a late onset and thus contributing to the

Refugees are physically separated from their family and friends when they relocate to a host country. This lack of familial support among those in an ethnic community directly affects refugees’ emotional and physical health in a negative manner (Simich, Beiser,& Mawani, 2003). Poor or nonexistent support systems do not give refugees the outlet to cope with the involuntary changes that are forced upon their lives as a resettled refugee. An incapability to deal with such stressors is the specific cause as to why significant amounts of psychological distress are seen among Afghan refugees in America. In one study which focused on Afghan refugees of all age groups living in industrialized nations including the U.S., depression was exhibited in the form of survivor’s guilt, avoidance of hearing the news of country of origin, frustration,