Refugee Trauma

Abstract

Epidemiological studies and theoretical models of refugee trauma based on ethnographic, biomedical and sociopolitical perspectives have focused on a variety of cultural and ethnic groups since World War II. Subjective distress and problems in psychosocial functioning are influenced by individual, fam ily, cultural and social variables. Refugees are at risk for developing psychiatric illness resulting from pre-migration, migration and post-migration experiences. This paper reviews biological, psychological and sociocultural models for recog nizing, conceptualizing and treating the psychiatric problems of traumatized refugees. The treatment approach of the Oregon Indochinese Psychiatric Program is summarized.