Risk Factors and Prevalence of Mental Illness

Abstract

Refugees face many challenges in their path of migration putting them at risk for mental distress. Prevalence of mental illness varies across different studies of refugees due to methodological differences and heterogeneity among refugees. Overall, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression are the most common mental illnesses seen in refugees. Somatic manifestations of mental distress are also seen, sometimes manifesting as specific cultural syndromes. Risk factors for mental illness can be categorized into premigration, migration, and post-migration phases. The chapter starts with a brief review of overseas mental health screening and then summarizes the available literature on risk factors and prevalence of mental illness in refugees. Resilience and posttraumatic growth in refugees are also discussed.