Pervasive refusal syndrome in asylum-seeking children: Review of the current evidence

Abstract

This study reviews the current evidence in pervasive refusal syndrome (PRS) in asylum-seeking children. Refugees can experience a variety of traumas throughout the process of migration. Children can be exposed to multiple traumas such as experienced or witnessed physical or sexual violence, loss and bereavement, parental separation and the threat of persecution and/or kidnapping. The third stage of the migration journey can add further stress; children and families may experience multiple rejections of asylum application effectively living in limbo with the constant threat of deportation. High rates of mental health disorder are well documented in young asylum seekers, particularly depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PRS is less frequently described but nonetheless a severe and life-threatening condition affecting young asylum seekers. Traumatisation, cultural factors and hostile asylum processes are specific moderating factors seen in asylum-seeking children. Asylum-seeking children normally make a full recovery from PRS. This study suggests a link between prolonged asylum processes and hostile foreign policy in developing and maintaining illness; similar cases are now being reported in other countries with hostile foreign policies. These findings are therefore relevant to clinicians and politicians working with this vulnerable group.