The Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment of Refugees: A Comprehensive Guide

As of 2018, the United Nations reported that there were 22 million refugees worldwide, forcibly displaced and unable to return to their country of origin due to well-founded fear of persecution. Refugees in the United States often share common characteristics, including the experience of forced migration, multiple episodes of traumatic treatment, and the struggle to access basic necessities like housing and medical care.

Providing mental healthcare to these patients can be a daunting task, but The Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment of Refugees offers a timely and indispensable resource for mental health clinicians. Written by experts in intercultural psychiatry, this guide provides foundational knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat refugees, who are disproportionately likely to suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, psychosis, depression, and anxiety.

Understanding the Complex Needs of Refugee Patients

Refugees have unique experiences and challenges that require culturally and psychologically sensitive care. This book recognizes the importance of understanding the traumas and tragedies of refugees’ life experiences, as well as their cultural traditions and behaviors. The Oregon Model, a research-grounded, team-based treatment model, is presented as a compassionate and effective approach to care.

The book also addresses the complex issue of acculturative stress for immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking children, youth, and families, who face negative stereotyping, economic and educational disadvantage, and the risk of long-term developmental trauma. A dedicated chapter focuses on the specific needs of children and adolescents, who have borne the brunt of recent policy changes mandating family separation.

Clinical Insights and Practical Guidance

Throughout the book, clinical case examples are used to illustrate diverse issues in assessment and treatment, including psychiatric assessment, biological and psychological treatment, and adapting individual, group, and family psychotherapy. Additionally, a thoughtful and nuanced chapter examines the ethical issues that arise in the psychiatric assessment and treatment of traumatized refugees, recognizing the inherent blurring between clinical ethics and human rights.

By providing mental health clinicians with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity to care for refugees, The Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment of Refugees aims to improve the quality of care and mitigate the risk of burnout. This comprehensive guide is an essential resource for anyone working with refugees or interested in advancing the field of intercultural psychiatry.

Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Language: English
ISBN: 9781615372263, 9781615373093