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Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder
(PTSD)
Often times refugees are victims of coercion,
rape, torture and death threats repeatedly and
both in their past and present. These experiences
in conjunction with their general instability in
daily lives can lead to exacerbations of anxiety as
well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

At Risk Refugees
Refugees are one of the most
vulnerable groups in terms of
experiencing trauma, stress,
instability and violence. The violonce
of their history and continued
exposure to stress along with cultural
barriers makes it difficult to address
the mental health needs of this
population.

Therapy for
PTSD Includes:
Psychotherapy
Torture Treatment Programs
Group therapy
Pharmacological intervention
Community based therapy

PTSD is associated with

Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal ideation
Depressive symptoms
Flashbacks
Altered level of
functioning

Mental health is greatly important to

this population
Providers can use the Refugee
Health Screener as a determinant of
emotional distress (RHS-15).
The goal of PTSD therapy is to
reduce anxiety and depressive
symptoms.
In order to address the needs of
this vulnerable population rapid
identification through early screening
and consistent treatment are
instrumental in improving mental health
of PTSD survivor.