Guantanamo Bay, Cuba 1996: Psychiatric services to Cuban migrants in the final days of operation sea signal

Abstract

Conditions during the final days of Operation Sea Signal in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, presented a unique challenge for the U.S. Naval Hospital psychiatry/mental health team. The team was charged with evaluation and treatment of Cuban migrants and with determining suitability for immigration to the United States. Degradation of social support networks appeared to be a factor in the course of psychiatric symptoms. The cases of two Cuban migrant males presenting with psychiatric disorders in the final month of the operation illustrate the complexities of the operation's psychiatric mission. Our focus was on behavioral interventions and social supports rather than definitive pharmacologic management of the underlying psychiatric disorders. Suggestions for management of similar missions in the future are provided.