Head injury in asylum seekers and refugees referred with psychological trauma

Doherty, S.M., Craig, R., Gardani, M. and McMillan, T.M. (2016) Head injury in asylum seekers and refugees referred with psychological trauma. Global Mental Health, 3, e28. (doi: 10.1017/gmh.2016.23)

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Abstract

Individuals who seek asylum are frequently fleeing violent persecution and may experience head injury (HI). However, little is known about the prevalence of HI in asylum seekers and refugees (ASR) despite the potential for HI to significantly affect cognitive and emotional functioning and to compromise asylum outcomes. This preliminary study investigates the prevalence of HI in ASR referred to a complex psychological trauma service. Participants were 115 adult ASR referred to a community psychological trauma service with moderate to severe mental health problems associated with psychological trauma. They were screened for a history of HI using a questionnaire developed for the study. Interpreters were used when required. The overall prevalence of HI was 51%. At least 38% of those with HI had a moderate–severe HI that could cause persisting disability. In 53% of those with HI, the cause was torture, human trafficking or domestic violence. Repeat HI can have cumulative effects on function; it was common, and was reported in 68% of those with HI. An injury to the head was not known to mental health clinicians prior to screening in 64% of cases. The emotional and cognitive consequences of HI in ASR may increase the vulnerability of this disadvantaged group, and can be associated with neurobehavioural problems affecting daily life and may compromise asylum outcomes. Routine screening for HI in ASR is needed, as are links to neuropsychology and brain injury services for advice, assessment and intervention.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gardani, Dr Maria and McMillan, Professor Tom
Authors: Doherty, S.M., Craig, R., Gardani, M., and McMillan, T.M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
Journal Name:Global Mental Health
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:2054-4251
ISSN (Online):2054-4251
Published Online:03 October 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Global Mental Health 3:e28
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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