Complex post-traumatic stress disorder in asylum seekers and victims of trafficking: treatment considerations

Jowett, Sally; Argyriou, Angeliki; Scherrer, Odile; Karatzias, Thanos; Katona, Cornelius

Abstract

Asylum-seekers experience high levels of traumatic events pre, post, and during migration. Polytraumatisation is associated with Complex PTSD (CPTSD), which has not yet been extensively explored in this population. CPTSD is a prevalent and highly disabling disorder requiring culturally sensitive diagnostic and treatment approaches. In this service evaluation, we evidence the high prevalence of CPTSD in an asylum-seeking sample and its association with greater distress. We outline the treatment needs of asylum seekers with CPTSD.

Citation

Jowett, S., Argyriou, A., Scherrer, O., Karatzias, T., & Katona, C. (2021). Complex post-traumatic stress disorder in asylum seekers and victims of trafficking: treatment considerations. BJPsych Open, 7(6), Article e181. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2021.1007

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 31, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Oct 1, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Deposit Date: Sep 7, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 1, 2021
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 6
• Article Number: e181
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2021.1007
• Keywords: Trauma, psychosocial interventions, CPTSD, asylum seekers, refugees
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2799927